Cal. Civ. Code § 8-911
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
(a) A local jurisdiction may enact a local law providing for legal representation in eviction proceedings filed in the local jurisdiction. (b) If a local jurisdiction enacts a local law under subsection (a) of this section providing for legal representation in eviction proceedings substantially similar to that described in this subtitle, MLSC shall direct funding that would have been allocated under this subtitle for the benefit of that local jurisdiction’s tenants to the local program.
Section 8-911 of the Maryland Real Property Code establishes a framework under which local governments may pass their own laws guaranteeing legal representation for tenants in eviction proceedings. When a local jurisdiction enacts such a law with provisions substantially similar to those in the state subtitle, the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) is directed to redirect funding that would have gone to that locality's tenants under the state program to the local program instead. This provision essentially allows local right-to-counsel programs to absorb state funding streams rather than running parallel to them.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-911, property owners and managers operating in Maryland should be aware that the jurisdiction where they file eviction proceedings may have its own locally enacted right-to-counsel law, potentially funded through MLSC-redirected dollars. A compliant operator generally stays informed about the legal representation landscape in each locality where they hold rental properties, since tenants in those jurisdictions may appear in eviction proceedings with legal counsel. Understanding the local legal environment helps operators ensure their filings and procedures meet applicable standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-911 means that if you live in a Maryland locality that has enacted its own right-to-counsel law for eviction proceedings, you may have access to free or subsidized legal representation funded in part through MLSC-directed resources. Tenants facing eviction in such jurisdictions can look into whether their local program provides an attorney at no cost before or during a court proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations in your area can help identify whether a local right-to-counsel program exists and how to access it under § 8-911's framework.
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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