Cal. Civ. Code § 8-904
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
(a) Under the Program, MLSC shall provide for access to legal representation by a covered individual for a judicial or administrative proceeding to evict or terminate the tenancy or housing subsidy of a covered individual, including the first appeal of a decision in the proceeding if the designated organization determines that there are sufficient legal grounds for the appeal. (b) (1) Under the Program, a designated organization shall ensure that a covered individual receives access to legal representation by an attorney in a proceeding as required under this subtitle as soon as possible after: (i) A landlord provides notice to terminate a tenancy; (ii) The initiation of an eviction proceeding; or (iii) The determination by a designated organization that a proceeding related to a constructive eviction on behalf of a covered individual should be initiated. (2) If feasible, legal representation required under this subsection should begin no later than the time of the covered individual’s first appearance in a proceeding. (c) MLSC may contract with a designated organization to provide all or part of the services required under this section.
Maryland Code § 8-904 establishes a right-to-counsel program under which the Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) must arrange legal representation for eligible 'covered individuals' facing eviction, tenancy termination, or loss of a housing subsidy in judicial or administrative proceedings. The program also covers the first appeal of a decision if the designated legal organization finds sufficient grounds. Representation is meant to begin as early as possible—ideally no later than the covered individual's first court or administrative appearance. MLSC may fulfill these obligations by contracting with designated legal organizations to deliver the required services.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-904, landlords initiating eviction or tenancy-termination proceedings in Maryland should be aware that eligible tenants may be entitled to state-funded legal representation through the MLSC program. Compliant operators generally ensure that all notices and filings are procedurally sound and well-documented, recognizing that a covered tenant may appear in proceedings with an attorney. Understanding that representation can begin as early as the notice-to-terminate stage helps property managers prepare thorough, legally sufficient documentation from the outset.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-904 of Maryland's Real Property Code establishes a program through which eligible 'covered individuals' can access free legal representation when facing eviction, tenancy termination, or loss of a housing subsidy—including in administrative proceedings and, where grounds exist, on first appeal. If you believe you may qualify, contacting a designated legal organization or Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC) as soon as you receive a notice to terminate or learn of an eviction filing can help ensure representation is in place before your first proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices in Maryland can help you understand whether you qualify as a covered individual under this provision and connect you with available resources.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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