Over the past few decades, Maryland has transformed from farmland and open spaces into vibrant new communities. But with that growth came the need for essential infrastructure — water and sewer lines that connect these new neighborhoods to public systems.
Those installation costs added up, and to recover them, developers (and in some cases, local governments) established what’s known as a Front Foot Benefit Charge (FFBC).
💧 What Is a Front Foot Benefit Charge?
A Front Foot Benefit Charge allows the cost of installing water and sewer lines to be spread among homeowners. Rather than paying the entire amount upfront, each property owner makes yearly payments — usually over 20 to 40 years — for their share of the cost.
These payments might appear on your property tax bill or be billed by a private utility company. The key thing to know is that FFBCs “run with the land” — meaning they’re tied to the property, not the individual owner. When the home sells, the obligation transfers to the new owner.
Because of this, Maryland law requires sellers to disclose whether their property is subject to an FFBC.
⚠️ Why Disclosure Matters So Much
Failing to disclose a Front Foot Benefit Charge can have serious consequences.
If a buyer discovers the FFBC before settlement and it wasn’t disclosed in the sales contract, they can cancel the contract and recover their earnest money deposit. If it’s discovered after closing, the seller could be held liable for paying the entire remaining balance of the charge.
Even an honest oversight can lead to thousands of dollars in unexpected costs — not to mention unnecessary stress.
🧾 How Maryland Sellers Can Protect Themselves
It’s surprisingly easy to overlook a Front Foot Benefit Charge. Many homeowners see it as just another small line item on their annual tax bill or utility statement and forget about it when it’s time to sell.
To make sure you’re covered:
Review your property tax bill carefully. Look for any mention of a “Front Foot Benefit Charge” or “Front Foot Assessment.”
Check your original settlement documents or deed. FFBCs are typically recorded in county land records as a “Declaration of Charges” or covenant.
Contact your county or local utility provider. They can verify whether an FFBC applies to your property.
Disclose everything up front. Being proactive helps ensure a smooth transaction and builds trust with potential buyers.
💡 The Bottom Line
Front Foot Benefit Charges are common in many Maryland neighborhoods built within the last 20–30 years. As a seller, it’s your responsibility to determine whether your property has one — and to disclose it properly.
Doing so helps prevent contract disputes, protects your sale proceeds, and ensures a smoother, more transparent closing process.
If you’re preparing to sell and aren’t sure whether your home has a Front Foot Benefit Charge, reach out to Scott and The Smolen Team. We’ll help you confirm what applies to your property and make sure your disclosure is handled correctly — so your home sale stays on track from start to finish.
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