(a) Except by order of court in a proceeding affecting the right of possession, an action for eviction or distress may not be brought against a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage if:
(1) the rent for the premises does not exceed $150 per month; and
(2) the premises are occupied for dwelling purposes by the spouse, children, or other dependents of the person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.
(b) (1) In a proceeding affecting the right of possession:
(i) 1. on its own initiative the court may stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; and
2. subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on motion the court shall stay the proceeding for a period not exceeding 3 months; or
(ii) the court may issue any other order.
(2) The court need not stay the action if the court finds that the ability of a tenant to pay the agreed rent was not materially affected because the tenant was a person in emergency management service or person suffering injury or damage.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 14 - Emergency Management
Subtitle 2 - Civil Relief During Emergency Periods
Section 14-202 - Legislative Policy
Section 14-203 - Scope of Subtitle; Period of Applicability
Section 14-204 - Enforcement of Proceedings
Section 14-205 - Effect of Stay, Postponement, or Suspension on Sureties, Guarantors, and Endorsers
Section 14-206 - Administrative Remedies
Section 14-207 - Periods of Limitations
Section 14-209 - Fines or Penalties for Nonperformance of Contracts
Section 14-211 - Period and Terms of Stay of Action, Proceeding, Attachment, or Execution
Section 14-212 - Eviction or Distress
Section 14-213 - Installment Contracts for Purchase of Property or of Lease or Bailment
Section 14-215 - Stay of Proceedings for Repossession or Sale of Motor Vehicle or Tractor
Section 14-216 - Real Property Taxes