This chapter shall be known as the "Minimum Livability Code"
or "this code."
This code is created to protect the public health, safety and
welfare in rental housing units and premises by:
A.
Establishing minimum property maintenance standards for basic equipment
and facilities used for light, ventilation, heating and sanitation
for rental housing units and premises and for safe and sanitary maintenance
of rental housing units and premises.
B.
Establishing minimum requirements for rental housing units and premises
for means of egress, fire protection systems and other equipment and
devices necessary for safety from fire.
C.
Fixing the responsibilities of property owners, operators and tenants
of rental housing units and premises.
D.
Providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.
This code shall be construed liberally and justly to protect
health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued
use and maintenance of rental housing units and premises.
A.
Word usage. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms defined in Subsection B below shall have the meanings indicated for purposes of this code. Words used in the present tense include the future. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular. When terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context may imply.
B.
ACT
BASEMENT
BUILDING CODE
CENTRAL HEATING
CITY
CODE
CODE OFFICIAL
CONDEMN
COUNTY
DEPARTMENT
EXTERMINATION
GARBAGE
HABITABLE AREA
HOUSING UNIT
INFESTATION
LEASE
MAINTENANCE
OCCUPANT
OPERATOR
PERSON
PLUMBING
PLUMBING FIXTURE
(1)
(2)
(3)
PREMISES
PROPERTY OWNER
REFUSE
RUBBISH
STRUCTURE
TENANT
VENTILATION
(1)
(2)
Definitions. As used in this code, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
Section 12-203 of the Public Safety Article of the Annotated
Code of Maryland.[1]
That portion of a structure which is partly or completely
below grade.
The Building Code adopted by Harford County or such other
code(s) as may be designated by Harford County for the regulation
of construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition,
use, location, occupancy or maintenance of premises and structures.
The heating system permanently installed and adjusted so
as to provide the distribution of heat to all habitable areas from
a source outside of these areas.
The City of Aberdeen.
The Minimum Livability Code.
The Director of Public Works or his designee.[2]
To declare a structure (or part of it), premises or equipment
unsafe or unfit for use and occupancy.
Harford County.
Aberdeen Department of Public Works.[3]
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other
pests by:
The animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling,
preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
The space in a structure used for living, sleeping, eating
or cooking, including bathrooms and toilet compartments. Closets,
halls and storage or utility space and similar areas are not considered
habitable areas.
A single unit of a structure providing or intended to provide
complete living and sleeping facilities for one or more persons.
The presence within or contiguous to a structure or premises
of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests.
A verbal or written agreement between tenant and landlord.
The repair and other acts intended to prevent a decline in
the condition of a structure, premises or equipment below the standards
established by this code and other applicable statutes, codes and
ordinances.
An individual having possession of a space within a housing
unit.
A person who has charge, care or control of a structure or
premises which is offered for occupancy.
Includes an individual, partnership, limited partnership,
trust, estate, association or corporation.
The practice, materials, facilities and fixtures used in
the installation, maintenance, extension or alteration of all piping,
fixtures, appliances and appurtenances within the scope of the applicable
plumbing code.
A receptacle or device which:
Is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water
distribution system of the premises and demands a supply of water
from it;
Discharges used water, liquid-borne waste materials or sewage
either directly or indirectly to the drainage system of the premises;
or
Requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the
drainage system of the premises.
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the structures on
it, that is leased by a tenant.
A person having a legal or equitable interest in the premises,
including the guardian of the estate of the person or the executor
administrator of the estate of the person, if ordered to take possession
of the premises by a court.
All solid wastes, with the exception of body wastes.
Paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, rubber, leather, tree
branches, accumulated yard trimmings, tin cans, metal, mineral matter,
glass, crockery, accumulated dust and other similar materials, as
well as the residue from the burning of wood, coal, coke and other
combustible materials.
A rental unit used for human habitation.
An occupant other than a property owner.
The process of supplying and removing air by natural or mechanical
means to or from space.
MECHANICAL VENTILATIONVentilation by power-driven devices.
NATURAL VENTILATIONVentilation by opening to outer air through windows, skylights, doors, louvers or stacks, without power-driven devices.
