Baltimore’s newly enacted Strengthening Renter’s Safety (SRS) Act officially took effect on January 1, 2026, marking a major shift in how the city holds landlords accountable and informs renters about housing conditions. The legislation, passed by the Baltimore City Council in September 2024, is designed to protect tenants and provide greater transparency in the rental market.
The measure was shaped by on-site inspections conducted by councilmembers at apartment complexes across Baltimore, which revealed widespread and often unresolved code violations. According to Cohen, conditions observed included broken elevators and HVAC systems, rodent infestations, mold and mildew, and repeated 311 complaints with little enforcement, CBS Baltimore reports.
One example cited was Hanover Square Apartments, where residents reported ongoing elevator outages, leaks, pest problems, electrical issues, and delayed maintenance responses. Councilmembers said situations like these highlighted the need for stronger oversight…