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MD SB677

MD SB677
Human Relations - Discrimination in Housing - Income-Based Housing Subsidies


summary

Introduced
01/30/2025
In Committee
01/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Providing that a certain landlord may not refuse to rent to a prospective tenant who pays rent with the assistance of an income-based housing subsidy under certain circumstances; providing that a certain landlord may collect financial information from a perspective tenant under certain circumstances; and providing that a violation of the Act is a discriminatory housing practice and is subject to enforcement by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.

AI Summary

This bill aims to protect tenants who receive income-based housing subsidies from housing discrimination by establishing new rules for landlords. The bill defines an "income-based housing subsidy" as recurring monetary assistance from a governmental entity or nonprofit organization that helps cover a tenant's rent, including housing vouchers issued under the United States Housing Act of 1937. Under the proposed law, landlords cannot refuse to rent to a prospective tenant solely because they use an income-based housing subsidy, even if the landlord reviews the tenant's financial information during the application process. This means a landlord cannot deny housing based on a tenant's income, credit score, lack of credit score, or adverse credit history when the tenant is using a housing subsidy. However, the bill does allow landlords who receive funding from governmental, quasi-governmental, or nonprofit entities for income-restricted rental units to collect financial information from prospective tenants if such collection is a condition of their funding. Violations of these provisions would be considered a discriminatory housing practice, enforceable by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing time for landlords and property managers to adjust to the new requirements.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Senate Judicial Proceedings Hearing (13:00:00 2/18/2025 ) (on 02/18/2025)

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