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Maryland House Bill 107

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Maryland General Assembly
  • An act concerning Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations - Reserve Studies - Statewide
CitationHouse Bill 107
Enacted byMaryland House of Delegates
Enacted byMaryland State Senate
CommencedOctober 1, 2022 (2022-10-01)
Legislative history
First chamber: Maryland House of Delegates
Introduced byMarvin E. Holmes Jr.
PassedMarch 29, 2022 (2022-03-29)
Voting summary
  • 44 Maryland Senators voted for
  • 0 Maryland Senators voted against
Second chamber: Maryland State Senate
PassedApril 4, 2022 (2022-04-04)
Voting summary
  • 90 Maryland Delegates voted for
  • 37 Maryland Delegates voted against
Status: In force

Maryland House Bill 107, also known as HB107, is a Maryland state law passed in 2022 that mandates that condominiums, housing associations, cooperatives, and homeowner associations complete a reserve study by October 1, 2023.[1] The law, passed in response to the Surfside condominium collapse, is most notable for expanding the existing law on reserve studies, which only applied to Montgomery County and Prince George's County, to the entire state, requiring community associations three fiscal years to "attain the annual reserve funding level" recommended by the study and giving the board of directors of each association the power to "increase assessments" to fund such a study, overriding any bylaws or other governing documents capping assessment increases.[2] It became law without the signature of Governor Larry Hogan.[3]

Provisions

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The law requires community associations, specifically cooperative housing corporations and residential condominiums, established on or after October 2022,[4] to conduct reserve studies, then update those studies every five years.[5][6] The legislation also requires associations to annually fund the reserve amount, for repairs and maintenance,[7] recommended in the reserve study, for the study to be publicly available for inspection by any unit owner, and to attain the annual recommended level of reserve funding within three years of the initial study's completion, with no exemptions based on association size "or number of condominium units."[8][6]

Furthermore, the law defines the specifics of a reserve study, mandates reserve studies of "common area components" every five years (for those associations without a reserve study after October 2018),[6] requires that the level of reserves be included in the annual budget, and gives association boards the power to raise money for the reserve fund regardless of governing documents restricting or capping assessment increases.[9][10][11] The legislation's broad language says that common-area components are important “structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing” components that need to be replaced.[6] The law also outlines four requirements for those who can prepare reserve studies.[12]

The bill does not identify funding methods for which the capital for the reserve fund needs to be collected.[6] Reserve Advisors, an engineering firm, notes that the funding recommendations of the reserve study do not have to be followed, but advised homeowner associations to not "forgo meeting the funding recommendations"[13] In contrast, the Maryland Attorney General stated that reserves must be budgeted "in accordance" with the reserve study[14] and other commercial organizations stated that funding for reserves is "mandatory" or "required."[11][15] Commercial condominiums and homeowners associations with costs of purchase and installation costs of common components under $10,000 are not impacted by the law.[16][17]

Similar provisions were included in the 2020 Maryland reserve study law applying to Prince George's County and Montgomery County, with this law expanding those requirements to make them applicable statewide.[18][19][20]

Debate

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Support

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Politicians

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In October 2021, Marvin E. Holmes Jr. described reserve studies as necessary because of complaints by association members that they are hit with huge special assessments because there aren't "enough funds in their reserve accounts" and argued that the bill would "help protect against those scenarios."[21] Holmes has been described as a "staunch supporter" of greater oversight of HOAs and condo associations[22] and a "housing guru" in the Maryland General Assembly.[6] Previously, the Maryland General Assembly failed to adopt statewide legislation mandating reserve studies, but adopted similar legislation for Prince George's County in 2020 and Montgomery County in 2021.[23][24][25] Holmes also helped write those reserve studies laws.[6]

Organizations and other individuals

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A few government entities favored the legislation. The Maryland Department of the Environment argued that the bill's requirements would be beneficial for the agency, providing additional financial security and diligence "better ensuring" that public health and the environment "are protected."[26] The agency later stated that the law related to programs of the agency's Land and Materials Administration.[27] The Montgomery County, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Affairs Commission on Common Ownership Communities also favored the law, calling reserve studies critical to avoiding emergencies for community associations and a "little financial pain" which leads to "lower costs" in future, noting that special assessments or projects will need to be scrapped, and that "unexpected fees" implemented by association boards can be "disruptive...and are difficult to get passed."[28]

The Attorney General of Maryland supported the law. The Consumer Council, a subdivision of the Maryland Attorney General's office, called the law "warranted," argued that smaller communities are "unlikely to be overburdened by this law," and stated that the law could protect against "very high assessments" being implemented on unit owners or a disaster like the Surfside condominium collapse from happening in Maryland.[29] Another subdivision, the Consumer Protection Division, also favored the legislation.[30]

Some homeowners and condo owners favored the law, stating that it would lead to "appreciation of Homeowner properties"[31] or that state-wide mandate for reserve studies would push governing boards to adequately plan "for short term or long-term projects".[32] Previously, in June 2021, the Baltimore Sun editorial board voiced their support for making the reserve study law, applicable to Prince George's and Montgomery counties, apply statewide, arguing that unit owners will sleep better when there are "periodical assessments of maintenance needs," but said that it should not be "unduly burdensome."[33]

Other organizations only favored the law with amendments. The Community Associations Institute considered the law one of their priorities,[34] and said that having up-to-date reserves makes associations "attractive to owners, lenders, and avoiding the need for special assessments."[35] In a letter to Delegate Kumar P. Barve, CAI noted their support for the legislation, but called for building "flexibility into proposed legislation," revising the legislation to include residential and non-residential condominiums, and noted concern about "enforcement of a statewide reserve mandate."[36] Scott Silverman of the CAI argued that despite the financial burden, the law is "something that ultimately we believe will prevent catastrophic loss," while noting that "there is nowhere else to go for the money but the residents."[6] The Maryland Building Industry Association also noted that they supported the legislation, but called for an amendment which gave associations flexibility to make decisions regarding reserve funding and for exceptions as to what associations the bill should applicable to.[37]

Opposition

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In an op-ed in July 2021, Arthur T. Johnson argued that the law would "impose an unnecessary cost" on many common ownership communities (COC) and "a boon" for some engineering firms and create "significant financial hardship for many COCs and their members." Instead, he called for local government to regulate COCs, rather than state government, having county government determine building safety, and county inspections rather than "expensive 5-year reserve studies."[38] The bill Johnson referred to, House Bill 313, was a similar bill also mandating reserve studies, introduced in 2021, but never passed the Maryland General Assembly, with lobbying against the bill by CAI members.[39] A commentary by Independent American Communities, in 2022 claimed that the CAI's reserve specialists will "personally profit" from the law's new requirements.[40]

Legislative history

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The legislation was pre-filed with the Maryland House of Delegates on September 29, 2021. It was amended by the Environment and Transportation Committee[41] and later by the Judicial Proceedings Committee.[42] On March 29, 2022, the Maryland Senate voted unanimously in favor of the legislation, with three members absent.[43]

The Maryland House of Delegates concurred with the Senate's amendments and passed the legislation on April 4, 2022, by a vote of 90–39, with six not voting and six absent. Those who voted against it included Christopher T. Adams, Carl Anderton Jr., Steven J. Arentz, Lauren Arikan, Wendell R. Beitzel, Joseph C. Boteler III, and Jason C. Buckel.[44] Some argued that the law only received momentum after the Surfside collapse, with Scott Silverman of the Community Associations Institute saying “they needed the fear of that kind of disaster in Maryland to persuade everyone that a statewide bill was necessary."[6]

The law went into effect on October 1, 2022.[45][46]

Aftermath

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Economic impact

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In October 2023, OC Today reported that the law was impacting condominium owners in Ocean City, Maryland, and across Maryland, with unit owners facing "five-to-six digit bills over the next few years" to meet the law's deadlines, which require a reserve fund for repairs and maintenance.[1] Other media reported that condominium owners in Ocean City were "grappling with substantial financial obligations" as a result of the law.[47] Some firms predicted that the law could put pressure on housing prices and result in a potential rise in "significant special assessments," large shortfalls for reserves, and result in an influx of units sold.[48][49] One insurance company that favored the law noted that the law may seem "a bit tough on associations" and result in a "short-term struggle" for certain associations.[50] Kathleen Dartez, the legal affairs director of the Maryland Association of Realtors, stated that condo buyers should anticipate that "a special assessment or increase in monthly charges will be imposed" on condominium unit owners to build up the required reserve fund.[51] In addition, the Maryland Association of Realtors added an "Condominium/HOA Reserve Study Disclosure" to their consumer notice for buyers of residential real estate in the state.[52]

In December 2023, residents of Tudor Arms Apartments in Baltimore's Wyman Park told The Baltimore Banner that the law had been on "everyone's mind," that some people aren't going to be able to pay for the increased fees as a result of the law, and that they wish "there could have been a longer period of time" to fill the required reserve. The Baltimore Banner also noted that the law is an issue for smaller associations that can't raise the necessary funds quickly enough to fulfill regulatory requirements, especially if many residents cannot "readily contribute" the large amounts needed.[6] Lawyers, such as Bruce Brown and Jason Cook, told the publication that the bill had "good intentions" but there was a "lack of understanding" as to the impact of the legislation on residents and community associations, with volunteer board members "under the gun" to require their neighbors to pay "dramatic fee increases from their neighbors" and that the law's biggest impact would be on buildings without "proper reserves." Real estate agent Jeff Nelson argued that the law is mainly an issue for buildings that haven't been maintaining necessary reserves, while J.D. Russell of HPS Management said that regulatory compliance for some associations will be impossible in the short-term.[6] Others had concerns that the law could impact the "resale value" of properties within community associations, with lenders not providing financing for those units with underfunded reserves, while higher fees and assessments could make some units less financially attractive, "pushing down prices."[6]

In November 2024, residents of the Rockland Run condominium community, of 241 units, in Baltimore County, shared their concerns with The Baltimore Banner about rising costs, including a 15% raise in dues and a "$250,000 special assessment" that has to be split among residents, and noted that one resident asked the Maryland Office of the Attorney General for help, but was told that property manager refused to "participate in mediation or turn over audits and other documents she requested." Some residents quoted said they were considering leaving to avoid higher financial costs and reported mismanagement, while the community's property manager criticized concerns about residents, and the community's president said skepticism about the board and management were incorrect and recommended those dissenting "use the annual election process to make changes." The article also noted that the community's reserve account had been depleted to about $30,000, leading to the special assessment.[53]

Enforcement

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It was reported in December 2023 that the Maryland Attorney General's consumer protection division could take "enforcement action" against community associations in noncompliance. Some noted that associations not in compliance could "face civil penalties."[6]

Amendments

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A law which would have extended the time-frame for associations to comply with the amount stated in the reserve study from 3 to 5 years, after the first reserve study, did not pass in the 2023 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly.[54] In December 2023 it was reported that Del. Holmes was working to pass an amended law in the 2024 legislative session, to clear up "confusion," including new legislation to increase the time community associations are required "to fill their funds."[6] Others called for a "some kind of funding mechanism" to help some community associations "fill their reserve funds".[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b Hine, Hunter (October 26, 2023) [October 19, 2023]. "Ocean City condo owners face huge bills after Maryland law mandates reserve funds". OC Today. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  2. ^ Baldino, Katherine N. (May 20, 2022). "2022 Maryland Community Association Legislative Update". LerchEarlyBrewer. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  3. ^ Larry, Hogan (May 22, 2022). "Bills That Don't Need Gubernatorial Signature" (PDF). Letter to Adrienne A. Jones. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 4, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  4. ^ "Maryland Laws". Reserve Study Group. Archived from the original on November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  5. ^ "The Facts on Maryland House Bill 107: Reserve Studies for Maryland Community Associations". Miller Dodson Capital Reserve Consultants. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Schaefer, Peter (December 22, 2023). "A 2022 law required HOAs to assess maintenance needs. Now it's time to pay up". The Baltimore Banner. Archived from the original on December 22, 2023.
  7. ^ Understanding Condominium Living: Another Way to Meet Your Housing Needs (PDF) (Report). Attorney General of Maryland Consumer Protection Division. June 2019. pp. 22–23. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 16, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  8. ^ Bunting, Lauren (October 3, 2023). "Home associations must do reserve studies". Ocean City Today. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  9. ^ Bunting, Lauren (May 25, 2023). "Condo common areas studies required now". Ocean City Today. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  10. ^ "Reserve Requirements and Funding". Community Associations Institute. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Zaller, Craig B.; Erin K., Voss; Corley, Lauri J. (November 1, 2022). "Special Client Letter – September 2022: Statewide Reserve Studies and Funding Required Effective October 1, 2022". Nagle & Zaller, PC. Archived from the original on May 27, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  12. ^ Esham, Melissa (September 6, 2022). "Maryland Reserve Studies and Your Association". Deeley Insurance Group. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  13. ^ "Maryland Reserve Study Legislation: Frequently Asked Questions". Reserve Advisors. July 13, 2022. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  14. ^ "New Laws Affecting Home Builders" (PDF). Maryland Attorney General. 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 28, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  15. ^ "House Bill 107 Passed in Maryland". Blackstone Management. November 30, 2022. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  16. ^ "FAQ – Maryland House Bill 107". Coastal Association of Realtors. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  17. ^ Schild, Tom. "2022 Maryland Condominium and HOA Laws Enacted". Maryland Condominium & HOA Law Blog. Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC. Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  18. ^ Majerle, Chris (July 23, 2020). "New Reserve Law May Cause Assessments to Rise in 2021". Majerle Management, Inc. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  19. ^ Pullen, Dave (January 9, 2022). "New Law Mandates Reserve Study Requirements". Strathmore Bel Pre. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  20. ^ Bichy, Brian B. (October 13, 2022). "Recent Maryland Legislation Impacting Community Associations". Selzer Gurvitch Rabin Wertheimer & Polott, P.C. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  21. ^ Miller, Peter B. (September–October 2021). "The Reserves Truth". Common Ground. Arlington, Virginia: Community Associations Institute. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  22. ^ Miller, Larry (August 6, 2021). "Defunct Maryland HOA leaves complex with collapsing sidewalk". WUSA9. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  23. ^ "New Maryland Laws Impact Association Governance" (PDF). Community Association LawLetter. Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC. Fall 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023. Also see the article "Replacement Reserve Law Enacted for Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties"
  24. ^ Montgomery, Richard (October 1, 2020). "New Maryland Laws Taking Effect October 1, 2020 (Complete Listing)". Maryland State Bar Association. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  25. ^ "HB 254/PG 403-20: Prince George's County – Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations – Reserve Studies". Prince George's County House Delegation. Archived from the original on December 22, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  26. ^ Tyler, Abbott (March 29, 2022). "Re: House Bill 107 – Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations – Reserve Studies – Statewide" (PDF). Letter to William C. Smith. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  27. ^ "Recent Legislation". Maryland Department of the Environment. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  28. ^ Tyler, Abbott (January 11, 2022). "Re: HB 0107 Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations - Reserve Studies - Statewide" (PDF). Letter to Dana Stein and Kumar P. Barve. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  29. ^ Armstead, Jones (January 13, 2022). "Re: House Bill 107 – Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations – Reserve Studies - Statewide_(SUPPORT)" (PDF). Letter to Kumar Barve. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  30. ^ Karen S., Straughn (January 13, 2022). "Re: House Bill 107 – Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations – Reserve Studies - Statewide_(SUPPORT)_" (PDF). Letter to Kumar Barve. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  31. ^ HB00107 - Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums and Homeowner Association Reserve Studies - Statewide, Maryland General Assembly Regular Session (2022), (Testimony of Kim Glaude)
  32. ^ House Bill 107, Maryland General Assembly Regular Session (2022), (Testimony of Patricia Thomas)
  33. ^ "Florida collapse raises concerns about condominium oversight in Maryland; here's what the legislature should do". Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, Maryland. July 7, 2021. Archived from the original on July 8, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  34. ^ 2022 Maryland End of Legislative Session Report (PDF) (Report). Community Associations Institute Maryland Legislative Action Committee. 2022. pp. 1–3. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  35. ^ Community Associations Institute Maryland Legislative Action Committee (2022). "HB 107 – Reserve Studies and Funding Becomes Law" (PDF). Letter to Maryland CAI Membership and Advocates. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  36. ^ Karen S., Straughn (January 13, 2022). "Re: HB 107: Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations – Reserve Studies – Statewide" (PDF). Letter to Kumar Barve. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  37. ^ Lori, Graf (January 13, 2022). "RE: HB 107 - Cooperative Housing Corporations, Condominiums, and Homeowners Associations - Reserve Studies- Support with amendment" (PDF). Letter to Kumar Barve. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  38. ^ Johnson, Arthur T. (July 19, 2021). "Surfside condo tragedy will surely spur new Md. legislation in 2022, but first we must convene a study group". Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  39. ^ 2021 End of Session Report (PDF) (Report). Community Associations Institute Maryland Legislative Action Committee. 2021. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 14, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  40. ^ Goonan, Deborah (June 27, 2023). "5 similar HOA & condo building safety bills yield mixed results for housing consumers". Independent American Communities. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  41. ^ "Amendments to House Bill 107" (PDF). Maryland General Assemblydate=2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  42. ^ "Amendments to House Bill 107 (Third Reading Bill)" (PDF). 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  43. ^ "Third Reading (HB) Calendar No.44 Consent Calendar No. 19" (PDF). Maryland State Senate. April 9, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  44. ^ "HB 107" (PDF). Maryland General Assembly. April 11, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  45. ^ Burke, Raymond D. (June 15, 2022). "All Condos and HOAs Are Now Required To Undertake Regular Reserve Studies". Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  46. ^ Mingo, Dwayne (2022). "2022 Prince George's County and Annapolis Delegation Issues". Prince George's County Association of Realtors. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  47. ^ Hall, Micah (October 19, 2023). "Navigating Maryland's House Bill 107: Condo Owners' Financial Challenges". Ridgecrest Pact. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  48. ^ Cavanaugh, Shane (November 18, 2022). "How Maryland House Bill 107 Will Impact Property Owners and HOAs in 2023". SCH Group. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  49. ^ "Rising HOA Fees and Potential Surge In Ocean City Condo Listings: Unraveling the Impact of MHB 107". Main Street Home Loans Tucker Lending Team. October 10, 2023. Archived from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  50. ^ "House Bill 107 – Reserve Studies for Maryland Community Associations". Huff Insurance. January 26, 2023. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  51. ^ Dartez, Kathleen (June–July 2023). "Preserving the Reserve Study for Condos" (PDF). Maryland Realtor. Vol. 57, no. 4. Annapolis, Maryland: Maryland Association of Realtors. p. 28. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  52. ^ Katzmiller, Terry (2023). "Update on Statewide Forms Oct-Nov 2023". Maryland Association of Realtors. Archived from the original on December 22, 2023. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  53. ^ Miller, Hattie (November 18, 2024). "A Baltimore County complex shows how it's getting more expensive to own a condo". The Baltimore Banner. Archived from the original on November 18, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
  54. ^ Summary of 2023 Real Estate Legislation (PDF) (Report). Southern Maryland Association of Realtors. 2023. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 23, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
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