Nuisance and Breach of Lease Actions - Rodent Harborage

HB 549 clarifies legal pathways for addressing rodent infestations on property. It allows individuals to sue property owners, agents, or managers for damages caused by "rodent harborage" (defined as conditions providing shelter/reproduction that cause property damage, health risks, or obstruct property use), except on properties zoned and actively used for agriculture. Landlords can also sue tenants for behavior causing rodent issues under existing lease breach rules. The bill adds these provisions to Maryland law without creating new penalties, focusing on existing legal remedies for property-related rodent problems. It takes effect October 1, 2025.