Major Changes to Anne Arundel County Eviction Process Take Effect July 1

Residents across Anne Arundel County should be aware of significant changes to the local eviction process that will take effect on July 1, 2026, under newly enacted county legislation designed to modernize landlord-tenant procedures and establish new requirements for the handling of personal property following an eviction.

Related: Bill 101 25

The changes stem from Anne Arundel County Bill 101-25, which establishes a new framework for residential evictions and replaces the long-standing practice commonly known as a "set out," where a tenant's belongings are removed from a residence and placed outside during an eviction. Beginning July 1, the county will transition to what has become known as a "lock and leave" process.

Under the new law, once a court issues a warrant of restitution and an eviction date is scheduled, landlords must provide tenants with at least 14 days' written notice before the repossession occurs. The notice must inform tenants of the scheduled eviction and explain how personal property remaining in the residence will be handled.

At the time of the eviction, the landlord must change the locks in the presence of an Anne Arundel County Sheriff's deputy and take legal possession of the dwelling. Unlike the previous process, personal belongings remaining inside the home will not be placed on sidewalks, streets, or other public areas. Instead, the belongings will remain inside the residence after the locks are changed.

Under the final version of the legislation, abandoned property must remain in the dwelling for at least 24 hours following the execution of the eviction. County officials have indicated that the 24-hour holding period is intended as a safeguard in the event an eviction is carried out in error. Following that period, landlords may legally dispose of abandoned property through donation, sale, transportation to a licensed landfill, or other lawful means. Property may not be retained by the landlord for personal use.

The legislation also prohibits landlords from disposing of evicted tenants' belongings on county rights-of-way, easements, sidewalks, streets, or other county-owned property. County officials say the change is expected to reduce the amount of personal property left in public spaces following evictions and eliminate many of the cleanup costs historically associated with the process.

In addition to changing eviction procedures, the law establishes penalties for violations. Most violations of the new provisions will be treated as Class E civil offenses, with each day a violation continues constituting a separate offense.

The legislation also addresses situations involving abandoned animals and unattended children. If a domesticated animal is left behind following an eviction, Anne Arundel County Animal Services may take custody of the animal. If minor children are found in a residence without an adult present during a scheduled eviction and the tenant cannot be reached, the Department of Social Services may be contacted to ensure the children's safety and well-being.

County officials have described the legislation as an effort to modernize Anne Arundel County's landlord-tenant laws while balancing the rights and responsibilities of both property owners and renters. The law is intended to supplement existing Maryland landlord-tenant statutes and establish uniform local procedures for residential evictions.

The new eviction procedures are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to residential evictions throughout Anne Arundel County.

Residents seeking additional information are encouraged to review Anne Arundel County Bill 101-25 and consult qualified legal or housing assistance organizations if they have questions regarding their rights and responsibilities under the new law.