Cal. Civ. Code § 8-206
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
(a) Evictions described in subsection (b) of this section are called “retaliatory evictions”. (b) No landlord may evict a tenant of any residential property in Montgomery County because: (1) The tenant has filed a complaint against the landlord with any public agency; (2) The tenant has filed a lawsuit against the landlord; or (3) The tenant is a member of any tenants’ organization. (c) If the judgment is in favor of the tenant in any eviction proceeding for any of the defenses in subsection (b) of this section, the court may enter judgment for reasonable attorney fees and court costs against the landlord. (d) Nothing in this section restricts the authority of Montgomery County to legislate in the area of landlord–tenant affairs. (e) In addition to any other remedies provided under this title, Montgomery County may, by local law, establish authorization for a local agency to invoke enforcement procedures upon an administrative determination that a proposed eviction is retaliatory as prohibited by State or local law. These enforcement procedures may include injunctive or other equitable relief.
Maryland Real Property § 8-206 prohibits landlords in Montgomery County from evicting residential tenants as retaliation for filing a complaint with a public agency, filing a lawsuit against the landlord, or belonging to a tenants' organization. These types of evictions are specifically labeled 'retaliatory evictions' under the statute. When a court finds in a tenant's favor on a retaliatory eviction defense, it may award the tenant reasonable attorney fees and court costs, and Montgomery County may also establish local enforcement procedures—including injunctive relief—through local law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Md. Real Prop. § 8-206, landlords operating residential properties in Montgomery County must ensure that any eviction action is grounded in a legitimate, non-retaliatory basis. Compliant operators document the lawful reasons for any eviction proceeding and avoid initiating or continuing eviction actions that could be connected to a tenant's protected activities, such as filing complaints or joining a tenants' organization. Because a court finding of retaliation can result in an award of attorney fees and court costs against the landlord, maintaining clear records of the actual grounds for any tenancy termination is a standard practice in this jurisdiction.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Md. Real Prop. § 8-206 gives residential tenants in Montgomery County a legal defense against eviction if the eviction is connected to their having filed a complaint with a public agency, sued the landlord, or participated in a tenants' organization. Tenants who believe an eviction is retaliatory may raise this as a defense in eviction proceedings, and a successful defense can result in the court ordering the landlord to pay reasonable attorney fees and court costs. Montgomery County may also have local enforcement procedures in place—potentially including injunctive relief—that tenants can explore through local agencies or tenant-rights organizations familiar with this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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