Baltimore City Council Bill 25-0141: The Rental Dwelling Health and Safety Enforcement Act
Below is an excerpt from testimony presented to the Housing and Economic Development Committee in support of City Council of Baltimore Bill 25-0141 on May 12, 2026.
Chair Torrence and members of the Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Baltimore City Council Bill 25-0141, the Rental Dwelling Health and Safety Enforcement Act.
My name is Dr. Antoine Lovell. I reside in Maryland. I am a housing instability and eviction researcher. I serve as a member of the Research Council for the National Alliance to End Homelessness. I am also a former homeless youth. I wish to testify before you today about the empirical research regarding housing conditions, housing instability, enforcement systems, long-term public expenditure related to unsafe housing conditions, and the broader implications for the financial and social viability of Baltimore City as a result of this legislation.
Empirical studies demonstrate that substandard housing conditions result in a range of adverse effects at the individual, family, and community levels. For example, substandard housing conditions (i.e., mold exposure, rodent infestation, structural deterioration, lead exposure, poor ventilation, and/or lack of adequate heat) have been found to increase asthma, respiratory illness, and mental health issues; increase the risk of developing stress-related health issues; and negatively impact academic performance among children [1-3]. Moreover, housing instability increases the likelihood of homelessness, school mobility, economic uncertainty, and long-term neighborhood disinvestment [4-5].