05/13/2026
Hello 👋 MHIT FAMILY l! Here’s the latest industry buzz I found for you this morning:
# # # **Maryland: Environmental & Radon Moves**
* **Decarbonization & Energy:** The Utility RELIEF Act (HB 1532) is starting to change the game for EmPOWER Maryland, shifting energy efficiency targets and removing gas companies from the program by 2027. This is going to affect how we look at energy efficiency and utility compliance during inspections.
* **Montgomery County Radon Reminder:** Just a heads-up that Bill 26-22 is in full swing—all rental ground-contact units need radon testing within 3 years (or 2 years in Rockville). Mitigation is mandatory if they hit 4.0 pCi/L or higher, and tenants can actually break their leases if it's not handled.
* **Mold Act Update:** The *Maryland Tenant Mold Protection Act* is still pushing toward those 2027 standards, but the requirement for landlords to assess within 15 days is the big immediate compliance item to watch.
# # # **Virginia: Regulatory Overhaul**
* **Major April 1st Update:** Virginia just rolled out its first major real estate regulation update since 2019. It’s a complete overhaul of practice standards, so if you're doing VA work, you'll want to make sure the team is up to speed on the new comparison charts.
* **Smoke Alarm Reporting:** Don't forget—Virginia now strictly requires reports to state if smoke alarms are in "good working order," and you can't exclude them from contracts anymore.
# # # **National/Specialized**
* **EPA Lead Rule:** The new dust-lead action levels are officially live as of early this year, and the EPA just updated the "Protect Your Family" pamphlet again on May 1st.
* **ASHI Insights:** The May *ASHI Reporter* is out, featuring a deep dive into mold damage claims and case studies—might be a good one for the next team training.
