Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Elections, Financial Statements, and Enforcement

HB 1534 establishes new requirements for condominium and homeowners associations in Maryland, directly affecting their governing bodies and unit or lot owners. The bill mandates that elections for governing bodies must be conducted by independent parties (not candidates or those with conflicts) or third-party vendors, and requires associations to accommodate unit owner organizing activities in common areas without retaliation. It prohibits charging owners for examining association records but allows reasonable fees for document copies, and sets specific timeframes (21-45 days) for providing financial statements or meeting minutes upon written request. The bill also expands the Division of Consumer Protection’s authority to enforce these provisions.