New Board Member Training Requirement Takes Effect in Charles County, Maryland

Maryland law now requires qualifying HOA and condominium board members to complete approved governance training within 90 days of election or appointment.

Published October 23, 2026 | Blackstone Management, LLC

Effective October 1, 2026, Maryland Senate Bill 573 (Chapter 804) established mandatory training requirements for certain homeowners association and condominium governing-body members in Charles County. The measure was enacted by the Maryland General Assembly and approved by the Governor—not adopted as a Blackstone Management policy.

Oct. 12026 effective date

90 daysTo complete required training after a qualifying election or appointment

3 yearsTraining certificate validity

What changed?

Under Chapter 804, members of homeowners association governing bodies and condominium board members or qualifying officers in Charles County must successfully complete an approved training curriculum covering the responsibilities of association leadership. This includes first-time elections and appointments after the law takes effect. The legislation also addresses existing members who begin subsequent terms.

The law applies to the governing bodies identified in the statute; it should not be read as automatically covering every informal neighborhood committee or every type of common ownership entity.

Who must take the training?

The law addresses members of governing bodies of homeowners associations and members of condominium boards of directors or officers of councils of unit owners in Charles County. Generally, the training must be completed within 90 days after an individual is first elected or appointed. Existing directors and officers should review the statute’s subsequent-term provisions and consult their association’s legal counsel about applicability.

How to complete the training

The statute permits a curriculum developed by a state- or local-government-recognized common ownership commission, or an organization approved by such a commission. Montgomery County’s Commission on Common Ownership Communities offers a program known as Community Governance Fundamentals, with online and instructor-led options.

Review the training information. Visit Montgomery County’s official board member training resources and select an available course format.
Complete the course. Follow the provider’s instructions, including any required lessons or assessments, and obtain proof of successful completion.
Keep your certificate. Save a copy showing your name and completion date.
Send a copy to your community manager. For Blackstone-managed associations, promptly provide your certificate to your assigned community manager so it can be retained in the association’s records and the association can address applicable reporting duties.

Explore Board Training Read Maryland SB 573

Important distinction: The statute does not say a board member is automatically removed on day 91. It authorizes the governing body, in specified circumstances, to remove a noncompliant member or invalidate that person’s vote. Any such action should be reviewed under applicable law and governing documents. Completing the course and submitting documentation promptly helps avoid these issues.

What does the association need to do?

The legislation requires associations to certify training completion, retain certificates, and address reporting to the applicable common ownership commission within the statutory timeframe. The certificate is valid for three years; a person who continues serving when it expires must renew by completing the training again.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a Blackstone Management requirement?No. This requirement was enacted by the State of Maryland as Chapter 804 of the 2026 Laws of Maryland. Blackstone helps its client associations communicate and administer compliance obligations.

Is Montgomery County’s course the only option?The law describes categories of approved training providers rather than naming only one county’s course. Confirm that any alternative curriculum satisfies the statute.

Does the 90-day deadline start on October 1 for everyone?No. The law ties the deadline to qualifying elections, appointments, and subsequent terms. The date of each individual’s qualifying event matters.

What happens if someone misses the deadline?The statute allows specified actions by the governing body, including removal or invalidation of a vote; neither is described as automatic. Associations should seek legal guidance before taking action.

Official resources

Maryland General Assembly — Senate Bill 573, Chapter 804
Read the bill text (PDF)
Montgomery County — CCOC Training Program

This article is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Associations should consult qualified Maryland counsel about specific circumstances, approved curricula, reporting obligations, and enforcement procedures.