Cal. Civ. Code § 8-910
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
(a) Legal representation as required under this subtitle shall be phased in over time in a manner that MLSC determines appropriate with the goal of full implementation before October 1, 2025. (b) Priority in funding during the phase–in period will be given to tenants in a local jurisdiction that provides or agrees to provide significant additional local funding to effectuate access to counsel in eviction proceedings in the local jurisdiction. (c) Access to legal representation under this subtitle is subject to the availability of funding.
Maryland Code § 8-910 establishes that the right-to-counsel program for tenants in eviction proceedings is not immediately universal but is rolled out gradually, as determined by the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC), with a target of full implementation by October 1, 2025. During the phase-in period, funding is directed first toward tenants in jurisdictions that contribute meaningful local funding to support access to counsel. Ultimately, whether any individual tenant can access legal representation under this subtitle depends on the availability of funding at the time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-910, property owners and managers operating in Maryland should be aware that tenant access to legal counsel in eviction proceedings is being phased in over time, meaning the proportion of tenants who appear with attorneys may increase as implementation progresses toward the October 1, 2025 goal. Compliant operators generally account for the possibility that tenants in better-funded local jurisdictions may have earlier or more consistent access to legal representation. Staying informed about which local jurisdictions have secured additional funding under this framework can help operators understand the legal landscape in the areas where they manage properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-910 of Maryland's Real Property Code establishes that tenants' access to free legal representation in eviction proceedings is being phased in over time, with full implementation targeted by October 1, 2025, though availability depends on funding. Tenants living in jurisdictions that have contributed local funding to the program may have earlier access to counsel under this provision. Tenants who want to understand whether they qualify for representation in their area can reach out to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) or a local tenant-rights organization to learn what resources are currently available in their jurisdiction.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.