Maryland Prohibited Subleasing on State Properties

A new statewide policy has forced historical sites like Jerusalem Mill Village to end on-site rental agreements.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a colonial-era brick mill building, evoking the preservation of historic sites in Maryland. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has prohibited all subleasing on state-owned properties, impacting operational funding for historic sites like Jerusalem Mill Village. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should state agencies allow local nonprofits to manage and sublease historic sites?

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has implemented a new statewide policy that prohibits subleasing on all state-owned properties. This regulation has specifically impacted the nonprofit Friends of Jerusalem Mill, which can no longer maintain its two on-site tenant agreements.

Why it matters

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources stated the change was made in the public interest, though the move directly threatens the security and funding models for historic sites. Local organizations now face significant operational hurdles in maintaining properties that rely on such partnerships for restoration efforts.

The policy shift affects 2 on-site properties at the Jerusalem Mill Village historic site. This change impacts a location founded in the 1700s, situated along the Baltimore-Harford County line.

The players

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

This state agency is responsible for managing public lands and implementing policies across Maryland's park systems and historic sites.

Friends of Jerusalem Mill

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the historic Jerusalem Mill Village.

Mountain Christian Church

This local venue is serving as the host site for the upcoming community meeting regarding the policy changes.

The details

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources communicated that subleasing is no longer permitted on any state land, ending a practice used by the Friends of Jerusalem Mill to secure funding and site security. The nonprofit now faces a loss of essential personnel who provided on-site oversight through these residency agreements.

Jerusalem Mill Village was established in the 1700s.
A town hall meeting is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Travel Outlook

This decision follows the standard operating procedures of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources state property management regulations. It marks a departure from historic preservation models that previously allowed nonprofit-led residential security programs on state-owned land.

Visitors to historic sites like Jerusalem Mill Village may notice changes in site staffing and security presence following the removal of on-site tenants. Residents should verify if planned restoration tours or events at these locations remain unaffected by the updated management guidelines.

The takeaway

Historic sites that rely on private partnerships to supplement state oversight must now navigate a more centralized management model. Community members seeking to protect local heritage sites should prepare to advocate for policy exemptions during upcoming public forums.