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Episode 45 | Protecting Property Rights: Addressing Squatter Issues and Eviction Updates in Maryland

Episode Summary: 

The conversation focuses on issues with squatters and new laws to support homeowners’ property rights. It also highlights Maryland’s new rule adding extra fees for landlords dealing with late rent cases, making it more costly to manage late payments. The hosts discuss challenges landlords face with squatters and late-paying tenants, exploring how these issues could impact the rental market.

Overview for Episode 45

Craig Fuhr and Jack BeVier address new laws that impact property rights, focusing on squatters and eviction policies. As can be seen, there is a growing legislative push in states like Georgia, Arizona, and Texas to protect against squatters.

Squatters Rights: Threats to Property Rights

Cases of squatters exploiting property rights have surged. For instance, in Texas, squatters claimed leases to delay eviction. As a result, states like Georgia introduced House Bill 1017 to streamline the eviction process, ensuring rights are upheld for homeowners.

Eviction Challenges

Maryland, by comparison, passed legislation increasing court fees on landlords pursuing rent-collection cases, adding a non-recoverable $48 fee. Therefore, this change deters landlords from using court systems to manage late payments, affecting protections.

Increased Costs: Impact on Landlords

The new $48 fee affects landlords, essentially penalizing property owners for utilizing eviction courts. Due to this added cost, property rights are impacted as professional landlords may take a stricter stance on tenants who repeatedly pay late, influencing tenant stability and landlord practices.

Professional vs. Amateur Landlords

As stricter enforcement on late payments rises, professional landlords may evict late payers sooner. Consequently, less professional landlords might inherit these tenants, leading to a bifurcated market. This separation may increase disparities in property rights, affecting tenant quality across regions.

Long-Term Implications 

Fuhr and BeVier suggest this trend might push responsible tenants toward higher-quality landlords and neighborhoods. Meanwhile, late payers may find themselves in lower-tier rental markets with fewer protections, ultimately deepening the divide in tenant experiences and property rights.

Conclusion

Above all, landlords should regularly screen tenants and stay informed about property rights legislation. Given these points, these ongoing legislative changes could reshape property rights and tenant stability across the rental housing market.

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