By Devon Douglas
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
A bill recently introduced by Baltimore County Councilman Israel “Izzy” Patoka to protect tenants during emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic will help hundreds of out-of-state college students left stranded when dorms suddenly closed.
The Tenant Protections During Emergencies Act was first introduced on Sept. 8, by Patoka, a Second District councilman who warned, “We’re living in multiple crises, a health crisis, economic, and police reform. People won’t be silent anymore.”
Patoka said the bill is scheduled for discussion Sept. 29 at a County Council work session. A final reading and possible vote are slated for the legislative session on Oct. 5.
Under the proposed legislation, landlords can’t charge, collect or demand an increase in rent during or 180 days after a state of emergency. Landlords cannot charge, collect, or demand from an increase in rent from tenants until 30 days after the landlord mails a written notice of the rent increase.
If a landlord has notified tenants of rent increases before the start of an emergency and the rent increase is to start during the state of emergency, the rent increase is to be limited so that landlords can’t charge, collect or demand from a tenant more than the maximum increase of the residential rent for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area until 180 days after the state of emergency expires, according to the bill.
When COVID-19 made its presence in Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency on March 5.
“Baltimore County has been doing the same thing the same way for decades,” Patoka said. “Nothing new is going to be introduced unless someone takes initiative and I’m doing that.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent in Baltimore County is $1,263 and 34 percent of the population rent their homes. The community has been vocal about this issue and the council responded.
“People have a better understanding of what’s going on nowadays,” said Patoka, who is working with the Maryland Multi-Housing Association. The MMHA is a landlord member organization that is working to promote the legislation.
With many universities in Baltimore County, college students also are affected. A rise in COVID-19 infections has forced many universities to send home those students living on campus. But some students who rent apartments near their institution for the school year have decided to remain off campus and not return home. Those who want to vacate their apartments have yet to get their money back.
Towson University junior Logan McGrath is one of many students forced to stay in an apartment for the school year. His parents live in Horry County, South Carolina, but they wouldn’t let him return home.
“I had already signed my lease,” McGrath said. “Me and my parents thought it was best to stay in Towson and not waste money paying for an apartment I’m not living in.”
McGrath was excited about the tenant bill.
“The bill will help families that rent homes and even college students that are stuck here.” he said. “Landlords only care about money and don’t think about others. It’s very selfish, especially with what’s going on right now.”
Other students have experienced rent increases during the pandemic. Travis Barnes, a sophomore at Towson, has had many arguments with his landlord after his rent increased $45 last month.
“A great decision, because I refuse to pay more rent,” Barnes said. “If anything, landlords should be helping their tenants out and understand what they’re going through.”
Patoka said his bill, if passed, could have a great impact on Baltimore County.
“During this economic and health crisis, there are so many things to worry about,” Patoka said. “I want to give families one less thing to worry about.”