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MarylandHB 03152026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Landlord and Tenant - Discrimination in Housing for Income-Based Housing Subsidies and Positive Rental History Reporting

Sponsored By: Vaughn Stewart (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Human RelationsCivil Rights, Commission onCivil Rights and Social EquityCreditDiscriminationFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLandlords and TenantsLeases and RentLow-IncomeNuisances -see also- Noise; WeedsProperty DamagePublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRules and RegulationsTimeUtilities -see also- Recycl; Refuse; Sewage; Teleph; Water

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Fair screening for renters with subsidies

Beginning October 1, 2026, landlords may not refuse you because you use an income‑based housing subsidy or because of your income, credit score, or credit problems from before you got the subsidy—when you show the dates with your voucher or housing authority papers. Landlords cannot make the housing authority confirm those dates. Landlords may still check that you can pay your share of rent, using the same income‑to‑rent test they use for other tenants. They may also deny based on landlord references or serious past issues like lease violations, unpaid utilities, nuisance, or property damage. In income‑restricted units with funder rules, landlords may collect financial information if the funding requires it. Violations are treated as housing discrimination and are enforceable by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights.

Optional rent reporting to build credit

Beginning October 1, 2026, landlords who own six or more Maryland units must offer in the lease to report your on‑time rent to at least one credit bureau. For new leases on or after October 1, 2026, the offer is at signing and yearly; for older leases, by January 1, 2027, and yearly. The offer must use a state form that says reporting is optional, names the bureaus, shows any fee, and explains how to opt in or out. For older leases, the option must be sent by tracked mail or electronically if you agreed to e‑notices, and mailed offers must include a stamped return envelope. You can opt in anytime and ask for extra copies of the form; if you opt in, the fee can be no more than the actual cost or $10 per month, the fee is not rent, and the fee status is never reported to credit agencies. You can opt out anytime; if you opt out or miss the fee for 30 days, reporting stops and you must wait six months to re‑enroll. The Housing Secretary sets the rules and required forms.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Vaughn Stewart

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 227 • No: 78

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 96 • No: 34 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Readings Passed with Amendments

Yes: 33 • No: 10 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 98 • No: 34 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 772

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (96-34)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Readings Passed with Amendments (33-10)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Floor Amendment {393420/1 (Senator Love) Adopted

    4/9/2026Senate

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments {163820/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026Senate

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/9/2026Senate

  10. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (98-34)

    3/18/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {463521/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/16/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/19/2026House

  16. First Reading Economic Matters

    1/15/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/15/2026

    PDF

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