The bill H.537, introduced by Representative LaLonde, aims to protect the rights of tenants and unit owners in common interest communities to install and use vegetable gardens. It amends existing laws to include a new section, 3-125, which defines a vegetable garden and establishes that any covenants or restrictions that prohibit or unreasonably limit the installation or use of such gardens are void and unenforceable. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of unit owners regarding the costs associated with vegetable gardens and allows associations to enact reasonable bylaws to maintain the gardens' condition and safety.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for landlords, mandating that they permit tenants to grow vegetable gardens in approved portable containers and potentially authorize gardens outside of containers. Landlords can impose reasonable restrictions on these gardens, such as maintenance requirements and prohibitions on harmful chemicals. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that both tenants and unit owners have the right to cultivate vegetable gardens while also addressing the need for reasonable regulations to maintain property standards.