Bill > H1381

This bill seeks to reduce barriers to housing by allowing landlords to collect a fee in lieu of a traditional security deposit from tenants. The fee can be partially or fully non-refundable, and the landlord can use it to purchase insurance coverage for unpaid rent or unit damage. The fee can be a recurring monthly payment or paid on a different schedule, and it is not considered a security deposit subject to state or local codes governing security deposits. Landlords must ensure the fee is optional for tenants, who can choose to pay a traditional security deposit instead. Additionally, landlords cannot use the tenant's choice of fee or deposit as a criterion for approving their application, and they must offer the fee option to all approved applicants regardless of factors like income, race, or household size.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1381