News release, Maryland Judiciary

ANNAPOLIS, Md.  – Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020, a new administrative order puts a hold on the foreclosures of residential properties and the rights of redemption of tax sales of residential properties pending in the circuit courts during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera also ordered Wednesday that residential evictions pending in the District Court of Maryland and all pending eviction orders of residences be put on hold until further notice.

New residential foreclosures, foreclosures of the right of redemption after a tax sale, and evictions may be filed, but those new filings will not be processed until the courts resume normal operations or unless otherwise notified.

As of 5:00 p.m., on March 18, 2020, Maryland state courts and court offices will continue to be staffed with essential employees from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To read the full Administrative Order on Suspension of Foreclosures and Evictions During the COVID-19 Emergencygo to: https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/admin-orders/20200318suspensionofforeclosuresevictions.pdf.

Please continue to monitor the dedicated COVID-19 webpage on mdcourts.gov for more updates.


David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East...