Please direct media inquiries to Sharon E. Goldsmith, Executive Director of Pro Bono Resource Center, 443-837-9379 ext. 3048
Great News for Renters in Baltimore City
On Monday evening, the Baltimore City Council passed legislation that prohibits rent increases and late fees during the COVID-19 crisis and 90 days after. The Renters’ Relief Act goes into effect as of March 5, 2020.
Renter Relief Act hearing
Today at 1:00 PM, Baltimore City Council will be holding a hearing of the Baltimore City COVID-19 Renter Relief Act. PBRC signed on to support PJC attorney Matt Hill’s testimony in support of the Renter Relief Act, which would prohibit rent increases and late fees during the State of Emergency and 90 days after. Link to…
CARES Act garnishment victory!
View the new Executive Order from Gov. Hogan prohibiting garnishment of CARES Act Recovery Rebates.
Legislation to help renters introduced
City Council member Brandon Scott introduced legislation on Monday (4/27) that would prohibit late fees and rent increases during the State of Emergency and 90 days thereafter (more info here).
Free Wifi Available in Baltimore County
10 Baltimore County public libraries have installed free wifi service in the parking lots of their facilities. Users are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and practice social distancing while accessing the wifi. To view a comprehensive list of public wifi locations in Baltimore County, click here.
Prince George’s County Postpones Tax Sale
The Prince George’s County Department of Finance announced last week that they are postponing their annual tax sale, which was to be held this year on May 11th. Homeowners who have property tax delinquencies of $250 or more will have much-needed additional time to apply for tax credits or other benefits that will reduce their…
Staff Profile: Melissa Chiasera
Melissa Chiasera joined PBRC in 2020 and serves as the Staff Attorney for the Courtroom Advocacy Project (CAP). Melissa is responsible for coordinating PBRC’s limited-scope courthouse-based pro bono clinics for consumers and tenants in addition to recruiting and mentoring CAP volunteers. Melissa is a graduate of the Chicago-Kent School of Law, and prior to moving to…
Maryland Courts to remain closed through June 5th
Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera extends earlier directive, Maryland courts will stay closed though June 5th.
PBRC Tax Sale Service Update
PBRC is continuing to serve Baltimore homeowners through April 15th, and will start serving PG County homeowners on April 18th until the 30th. As of April 8th, despite PG County being declared as a national hotspot for COVID-19, the PG County tax sale has NOT been postponed. PBRC anticipates the need for assistance will be urgent during the…
Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) Information Sheets
Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) has developed Information Sheets to answer questions on utility bills, bill payments, and service disconnections for each gas and electric utility, and single Information Sheets for water services and for phone and internet services.