Bridging the Gap: How SB729 Strengthens Access to Justice for Maryland Mobile Home Residents
At the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, our mission is to ensure that every Marylander, regardless of their income or background, can navigate our legal system with dignity and fairness. For years, one community has often been left behind in the conversation about housing rights: the residents of mobile home parks. SB729 is a landmark piece of legislation designed to change that. By modernizing the governance of mobile home parks and expanding the Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE) Program, this bill represents a major step forward for housing equity in our state. SB729 passed both chambers and will now go before Governor Moore.
Why Mobile Home Residents Need Enhanced Protection
Presently, mobile home residents are frequently excluded from the same legal safety nets provided to traditional apartment renters. SB729 levels the playing field by expanding the Right to Counsel, meaning that, for the first time, mobile home residents are included in the ACE Program. This ensures that eligible residents facing repossession or eviction can receive free legal representation under the ACE law.
The Power of Legal Representation in Housing Cases
Data from the ACE Program shows that when a tenant has a lawyer, they are far more likely to stay in their home. A lawyer does not just argue in court; they negotiate for repairs, help families access rental assistance, and ensure that the legal process is followed to the letter. Under SB72, MLSC will partner with community groups to conduct outreach and provide education. It is vital that every mobile home resident in Maryland knows that if they receive a notice of intent to repossess, professional help is available. A lawyer can help you understand whether any defenses apply, help you prepare your case, and represent you at the trial or hearing to negotiate for more time or needed repairs.
Eligibility and Moving Toward a Fairer Maryland
To qualify for a free lawyer through the ACE Program, you must be a resident of a mobile home park in Maryland and have a household income at or below 50% of the state’s median income. Access to justice is not just about what happens inside a courtroom; it is about ensuring the law protects everyone equally. By bringing mobile home parks under the umbrella of the Access to Counsel in Evictions Program, Maryland is affirming that a stable home is a fundamental right.
Continuing to Fight for Strengthening Transparency and Fair Procedures
While SB729, if signed by Governor Moore, will provide significant protections for people living in mobile homes, important provisions of the bill were stripped out. The original version of the bill mandated that park owners must provide specific disclosures before a resident even signs a lease. Furthermore, it included reforms to security deposits and utility charges, preventing hidden costs from pushing families into financial crisis. The original version of the bill also explicitly bans certain predatory practices by park owners, protecting residents from arbitrary or retaliatory actions. Access to justice advocates will continue to fight for these provisions next year, to ensure that families living in mobile housing are adequately informed of their rights.
If you are at risk of losing your home, do not wait until your court date. You can call 211 or visit www.legalhelpmd.org for more information on how to access these services.