Housing & Economic Development Committee

Summary

City Council Bill 25-0087, "Eviction Chattels – Time Period to Reclaim," aims to update Baltimore City's regulations regarding a tenant's personal property left behind after an eviction. The bill, introduced by Councilmember Torrence and cosponsored by several others, revises Article 13, Subtitle 8A of the Baltimore City Code. Key provisions include:

• Extended Reclaim Period: Tenants will have at least 10 days following the execution of a warrant of restitution to reclaim their personal property from the leased dwelling or a secure storage location chosen by the landlord, at no cost.
• Optional Extended Storage: Tenants can request, in writing, that the landlord store their property for up to an additional 20 days (totaling 30 days from eviction). The landlord may charge reasonable storage costs for this extended period, beginning on the 11th day.
• Enhanced Notice Requirements: Landlords must provide written notice to tenants at least 14 days before the initial eviction date, detailing the reclamation process, including the initial 10-day period and the option for extended storage. This notice must include specific case details, dates, and contact information for the landlord, along with a statement advising tenants to seek legal assistance if needed.
• Landlord Responsibilities: During the reclaim period, landlords must make property reasonably available and are not liable for losses unless due to their deliberate or negligent acts.
• Abandonment: Property not reclaimed within the specified timeframe (10 days, or up to 30 days if extended) will be considered abandoned.

The bill also addresses notice procedures, requiring landlords to provide documentation to the Sheriff to establish a rebuttable presumption of notification. The Law Department has reviewed the bill and recommended amendments to avoid duplication with new state law (Maryland Real Property Article § 8-407, effective October 1, 2025) and for clarity. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) supports the bill's intent for compassionate standards, while the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) requested an exemption due to federal funding restrictions.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance will provide tenants with more time and clearer rights to reclaim their personal belongings after an eviction. It shifts from immediate abandonment of property to a structured process allowing for retrieval, potentially preventing significant loss for displaced residents.

Confidence

high