Maryland § 8-220

§ 8-220.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Mold” has the meaning stated in § 6–1702 of the Environment Article.

        (3)    “Mold assessment” means:

            (i)    An inspection, an investigation, or a survey of a dwelling or other structure to provide information to the owner regarding the presence, identification, or evaluation of mold;

            (ii)    The development of a mold management plan; or

            (iii)    The collection or analysis of a mold sample.

        (4)    “Mold remediation” has the meaning stated in § 6–1702 of the Environment Article.

    (b)    A landlord shall:

        (1)    Provide the pamphlet developed or used under § 6–1702 of the Environment Article to each tenant in a rental unit on the landlord’s property:

            (i)    At the time the lease or rental agreement is signed; and

            (ii)    On request by a tenant of the rental unit; and

        (2)    Request that a tenant sign a statement acknowledging receipt of the pamphlet.

    (c)    (1)    A landlord shall perform a mold assessment within 15 days after receipt of a written notice regarding the detection of mold from:

            (i)    The applicable local agency enforcing housing and livability codes; or

            (ii)    A tenant or building occupant.

        (2)    If the assessment in paragraph (1) of this subsection detects mold, a landlord shall:

            (i)    Perform mold remediation within 45 days after the assessment is completed; or

            (ii)    If performing mold remediation within the time frame specified in item (i) of this paragraph is not feasible, within a reasonable time after the assessment is completed.

        (3)    A landlord shall ensure that the mold assessment and mold remediation under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection follows the recommended industry guidelines and best practices and State and local laws and regulations.

    (d)    A landlord shall:

        (1)    Communicate with occupants during a mold assessment and mold remediation under subsection (c) of this section to provide updates and relevant information;

        (2)    Ensure proper ventilation in the property;

        (3)    Ensure low indoor relative humidity in the property; and

        (4)    Maintain the property in accordance with all applicable federal, State, and local residential housing and building codes, standards, regulations, rules, and requirements pertaining to minimum livability under § 12–203 of the Public Safety Article.

    (e)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, nothing in this section may be construed to require a local government or local health department to conduct a mold assessment or mold remediation.

        (2)    If a local government owns or manages a residential property, the local government or local housing authority shall comply with this section with respect to the residential property.