§ 8-206. Retaliatory evictions in Montgomery County

   (a) "Retaliatory evictions" defined. -- Evictions described in subsection (b) of this section are called "retaliatory evictions".

(b) Evictions under certain circumstances prohibited. -- No landlord may evict a tenant of any residential property in Montgomery County because:

   (1) The tenant has filed a complaint against the landlord with any public agency;

   (2) The tenant has filed a lawsuit against the landlord; or

   (3) The tenant is a member of any tenants' organization.

(c) Judgment for defendant. -- If the judgment is in favor of the tenant in any eviction proceeding for any of the defenses in subsection (b) of this section, the court may enter judgment for reasonable attorney fees and court costs against the landlord.

(d) Scope. -- Nothing in this section restricts the authority of Montgomery County to legislate in the area of landlord-tenant affairs.

(e) Authority for local agency to invoke enforcement procedures. -- In addition to any other remedies provided under this title, Montgomery County may, by local law, establish authorization for a local agency to invoke enforcement procedures upon an administrative determination that a proposed eviction is retaliatory as prohibited by State or local law. These enforcement procedures may include injunctive or other equitable relief.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 21, § 8-213.1; 1974, ch. 12, § 2; 1979, ch. 275; 2002, ch. 19, § 10; 2009, ch. 60, § 5.