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MarylandSB 03352026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Sara Love (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Human RelationsCivil Rights, Commission onCivil Rights and Social EquityCreditDiscriminationFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFormsHousing and Community Development, Department ofHousing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesLandlords and TenantsLeases and RentLow-IncomePublic Benefits -see also- Housing; MedAsst; SupplNutrAsstPRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRules and RegulationsSignaturesUtilities -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.

Stronger housing protections for subsidy renters

The law protects renters who use income‑based housing subsidies. If a landlord uses credit or other financial info, they may not deny you for your income, your credit score or lack of score, or credit problems from a time before you had the subsidy. Dates can be confirmed with your statement, voucher paperwork, or housing authority documents, but the landlord cannot require the authority to verify dates. A landlord may check that you can pay your share of rent and utilities, using a ratio like they use for other tenants. A landlord may still refuse for clear, nondiscriminatory reasons, like bad landlord references, lease breaks, unpaid utilities, nuisance, or property damage. If funding for an income‑restricted unit requires income checks, the landlord may collect only the financial info that funding requires. Breaking these rules is housing discrimination enforceable by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. Beginning October 1, 2026, these rules apply.

Tenants can report on-time rent

Landlords who own six or more units must offer tenants the option to report on‑time rent to at least one credit agency. For leases signed on or after October 1, 2026, the offer appears at signing and at least once a year. For earlier leases, the first offer is due by January 1, 2027, then at least yearly, delivered by tracked mail or electronically if you chose e‑notices. If mailed, a stamped return envelope must be included. The written offer, on a state‑set form, must say reporting is optional, list the credit agencies, list any fee, and explain how to start or stop. You can submit the election anytime and ask for extra copies. If you opt in, the landlord may charge up to the actual cost or $10 per month; the fee is not rent and cannot be reported to a credit agency. You can ask in writing to stop at any time. If you stop, or miss the fee for 30 days, reporting can end and you must wait six months to restart. The Housing Secretary adopts rules to run this program. These provisions take effect October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Sara Love

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Nick Charles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shaneka Henson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Clarence K. Lam

    Democratic • Senate

  • C. Anthony Muse

    Democratic • Senate

  • Charles E. Sydnor

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 167 • No: 57

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 101 • No: 34 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 34 • No: 12 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 32 • No: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 773

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (34-12)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (101-34)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {843423/1 Adopted

    4/11/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    4/11/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 2:30 p.m.

    4/2/2026House

  10. Hearing canceled

    4/2/2026House

  11. Hearing 4/02 at 1:30 p.m.

    4/2/2026House

  12. Hearing canceled

    4/2/2026House

  13. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  14. Referred Economic Matters

    3/24/2026House

  15. Third Reading Passed (32-11)

    3/23/2026Senate

  16. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026Senate

  17. Favorable with Amendments {703226/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026Senate

  18. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/20/2026Senate

  19. Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026Senate

  20. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/23/2026

    PDF

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