1. A. Title. This chapter shall be known as the Minimum Livability Code or “the Code”.

2. B. Scope. The Code is created to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in residential structures and premises by:

   1. (1) Establishing minimum property maintenance standards for basic equipment and facilities used for light, ventilation, heating, and sanitation for residential structures and premises, and for safe and sanitary maintenance of residential structures and premises;
   2. (2) Establishing minimum requirements for residential structures and premises for means of egress, fire protection systems, and other equipment and devices necessary for safety from fire;
   3. (3) Fixing the responsibilities of property owners, operators, and tenants of residential structures and premises; and
   4. (4) Providing for administration, enforcement, and penalties.
3. C. Intent. The Code shall be construed liberally and justly to protect public health, safety, and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued use and maintenance of residential structures and premises.

Authority: Public Safety Article, §12-203(c), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: April 6, 1987 (14:7 Md. R. 829)

Chapter recodified from COMAR 05.01.31 to COMAR 05.02.03

Chapter revised effective January 14, 2010 (37:1 Md. R. 14)

Regulations .01—.12 repealed and new Regulations .01—.07 adopted effective September 17, 2012 (39:18 Md. R. 1196)

Chapter recodified from COMAR 05.02.03 to COMAR 09.12.54 effective March 25, 2019 (46:6 Md. R. 345)

Regulation .02B amended effective March 25, 2019 (46:6 Md. R. 345)