§ 6A-1. Definitions.
(a) In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings specified.
(b) Commission.
"Commission" means the Baltimore City Affordable Housing Trust Fund Commission established by Article I, § 14 of the City Charter.
(c) Commissioner.
"Commissioner" means Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development or the Commissioner's designee.
(d) Covered individual.
(1) In general.
"Covered individual" means any individual who occupies a dwelling within the City of Baltimore under a claim of legal right other than the owner.
(2) Inclusion.
"Covered individual" includes any tenant in a building owned, operated, or managed by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City.
(e) Covered proceeding.
(1) In general.
"Covered proceeding" means:
(i) any judicial or administrative proceeding to evict or terminate the tenancy or housing subsidy of a covered individual;
(ii) any proceeding that is the functional equivalent of a proceeding described in item (i) of this paragraph; or
(iii) any first appeal of a proceeding described in item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph.
(2) Inclusions.
"Covered proceeding" includes any judicial or administrative proceeding to remedy a violation of:
(i) City Public Local Laws § 9-9 {"Rent Escrow Law: In general"};
(ii) City Public Local Laws § 9-9A {"Rent Escrow Law: Landlord's non- compliance with lease"};
(iii) City Public Local Laws § 9-10 {"Rent Escrow Law: Retaliatory actions"};
(iv) State Real Property Article § 8-208.1 {"Retaliatory actions due to reporting violations or complaints prohibited"}; or
(v) State Real Property Article § 8-216 {"Restrictions relating to taking or threatening to take possession of dwelling unit"}.
(f) Designated organization.
"Designated organization" means any not-for-profit organization or association that is designated by the Commissioner under this subtitle and engaged pursuant to Article VI, § 11 of the City Charter regarding procurement that:
(1) has the capacity to provide legal representation to covered individuals facing eviction; and
(2) agrees to adhere to the standards of practice established in rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle.
(g) Designated community group.
"Designated community group" means a not-for-profit community organization or association designated by the Commissioner that has the capacity to conduct tenant outreach, engagement, education, and information regarding this subtitle.
(h) {Repealed}
(i) Legal representation.
(1) In general.
"Legal representation" means ongoing legal representation provided by a designated organization to a covered individual and all legal advice, advocacy, and assistance associated with that representation.
(2) Inclusions.
"Legal representation" includes the filing of a notice of appearance on behalf of the covered individual in a covered proceeding.