TA-501 Common Ownership – Prohibition on Water Shut Off

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CITIZEN-DRAFTED BILL TA-501 
 
Requested: January 23, 2025 
Suggested assignment to: Environment and Transportation 
AN ACT concerning 
 
Common Ownership – Prohibition on Water Shut Off 
FOR the purpose of promoting public health through continued function of drinking water and toilets 
notwithstanding a use restriction or delinquency, and prohibiting a cruel and unusual punishment by 
denial of potable water, a substance required for personal wellbeing, sanitation, medical aid, and other 
public health issues.   
EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW. 
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law. 
Underlining indicates amendments to bill. 
Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by amendment. 
 
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read 
as follows: 
 
Article – Real Property 
11-109 
    (e)    A unit owner may not have any right, title, or interest in any property owned by the 
council of unit owners other than as holder of a percentage interest in common expenses and 
common profits appurtenant to his unit. 
 
    (f)    A unit owner’s rights as holder of a percentage interest in common expenses and 
common profits are such that: 
 
        (1)    EXCEPT FOR WATER/TOILET SHUT OFF WHICH IS PROHIBITED, A unit owner’s 
right to possess, use, or enjoy property of the council of unit owners shall be as provided in the 
bylaws IF THE DECLARATION IS SILENT; and 
 
        (2)    A unit owner’s interest in the property is not assignable or attachable separate from 
his unit except as provided in §§ 11-107(d) and 11-112(g) of this title. 
 
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect October 1, 2026.