10/17/2026
To our fellow Realtors, landlords, property owners, and Charles County residents, I want to encourage you to get involved in an important issue coming before the Charles County Commissioners.
Bill 2026-08, the proposed rental licensing program, raises serious concerns about additional fees, government regulation, rental affordability, and the potential loss of rental housing.
We all want safe, quality housing. But we need to ask whether adding more government regulations will actually solve problems or simply make housing more expensive and discourage property owners from offering rental homes.
I think we all know the result! HIGHER RENTS (because landlords WILL pass on these charges to tenant!) and less homes on the market!
The public hearing is Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00 PM at the Charles County Government Building in La Plata.
We can't expect our elected officials to understand the impact of their decisions if we're not willing to show up and be part of the conversation.
🚨 Charles County residents and property owners: Make your voices heard NEXT WEEK!🚨
Bill 2026-08 would create a proposed rental licensing program that adds costs and burdens for landlords and renters alike. Now is the time to speak up before this legislation moves any further.
🏠 Why are we concerned?
💰 New licensing fees and inspection costs that will ultimately drive up rents.
📋 More government regulation despite several existing state laws protecting tenants.
📍 A requirement for landlords or their representatives to live within 50 miles of the rental property.
🔑 Additional hurdles for small landlords, military families, and homeowners who rent out a single property.
⏳ A rushed process that risks moving forward before the full impact on renters, property owners, and housing availability has been adequately considered.
📅 Hearing: October 20th at 6:00PM
📍 Location: Charles County Government Building (La Plata)
✏️Submit Written Opposition Here: https://www.charlescountymd.gov/Home/Components/FormBuilder/FormBuilder/75fe1782e0ff4e44a602929342d12734/1447?folder=1369
SMAR supports safe, quality housing. But this proposal needs more work, and not to be pushed through right before an election.
📣 Please attend the public hearing next week and let the County Commissioners know you oppose Bill 2026-08 in its current form.
