Tenant Advocacy and Renters Rights
Our Impact – County and Legislative District
Our Impact - County By County Click on your county to see how many people we have served in each legislative district in 2023.
Updated for 2024: The Maryland Guide for Tenants
Finding a new rental in Maryland can be a challenge, due to the complexity of Maryland landlord-tenant law. Our updated tenant guide includes information on: How to find a good rental How to calculate affordability Things to look out for when researching a Maryland landlord or property management company What to do when something goes wrong Updates for 2024: We've added information about the Access to Counsel in Evictions coordinated intake program, and added information on Maryland's eviction shield law that went into effect October 1, 2024. You can download your free copy of the Tenant Guide here. If you ...
Maryland Eviction Shielding Law Goes Into Effect
As of October 1, 2024, a Maryland tenant has the right to file an application with the District Court to shield court records that relate to eviction filings if the tenant paid the amount owed prior to the eviction and stayed in the property, and if it's been 12 months since the eviction order was issued. You can use this form and file with the correct District Court location. Also, the Maryland District Court is required to shield all the Failure to Pay Rent (FTPR) eviction records within 60 days of the final resolution of the case, and the case ...
Baltimore City Eviction Prevention Financial Assistance Portal
Until November 19, the Rental Assistance Program will provide case management, past due rental assistance and security deposit assistance for Baltimore City residents facing eviction. The opening of the portal will provide the city's most vulnerable residents with resources to long-term housing stability and eviction prevention. You can go here to get information on the following, and the application: Financial Assistance: Eligible residents can apply for funds to cover back rent and prevent eviction. Other Assistance: Security deposit assistance and case management, information on water bill and energy assistance. If you need assistance that doesn't relate to eviction prevention, please ...
Maryland County Code Enforcement, Inspection, and Zoning Agencies
Click on a link below to go to that county's code enforcement office, and procedures for filing a complaint. Each link will have contact information for each Maryland code enforcement agency. Allegany County Anne Arundel County Baltimore City Baltimore County Calvert County Caroline County Carroll County Cecil County Charles County Dorchester County Frederick County Garrett County Harford County Howard County Kent County: (410) 778-7437 Montgomery County Prince George's County Queen Anne's County St. Mary's County Somerset County Talbot County Washington County Wicomico County Worcester County
Tenant Fact Sheets
Here are several one-page fact sheets you can download, on topics relevant to Maryland tenants. Fact sheets are in PDF format. Air Conditioning Rent Escrow Ratio Utility Billing (RUBS) Security Deposits Fair Housing Protected Classes If you're looking for our comprehensive Tenant Guide, please download it here. If you need fact sheets related to Fair Housing issues, please go here.
2024 Legislative Session: HB832/SB839 and HB328 Bill Signing
On Thursday, May 16th, we celebrated as two of our priority bills from the 2024 Legislative Session were signed into law by Governor Moore. HB832/SB839, sponsored by Delegate Vaughn Stewart and Senator Charles Sydnor, allows nominal damages to be awarded for violations of consumer laws. HB328, sponsored by Delegate Lesley Lopez, prohibits Maryland hospitals from using geographic service area tests and non-monetary asset tests to deny income-eligible patients free or reduced cost care.
News for Prince George’s County Tenants
Prince George's County Rent Stabilization Act Extended to October 17, 2024 On April 17, 2024, CB-008-2024 went into effect, extending the Rent Stabilization Act to October 17, 2024. Pursuant to the Rent Stabilization Act, CB-07-2023 and CB-51-2023, a landlord may not raise the existing rent above three percent (3%) per year. The three percent cap applies to tenants who are currently residing in their units and are renewing their leases during the effective period. The law applies to landlords who use month-to-month rental agreements or agreements/contracts to become month-to-month agreements after a fixed term. The rent increase limitation is applied ...
NEW: City of Frederick Rental Registration and Licensing Law
Starting January 1, 2024, landlords who own rental properties in the City of Frederick will be required to hold a valid rental license. The fee will be $240.00 and the license will be valid for a period of two years. In preparation for the upcoming requirement, the City has developed an online portal for landlords to register rental properties to prepare for the launch of the Rental Licensing Ordinance, an initiative aimed at ensuring safe housing for all renters in Frederick. Under the Rental Licensing Ordinance, rental units are mandated to meet specific standards, ensuring the safety, health, and comfort ...
Baltimore City Public Housing Wait List Opens August 1, 2023
From the Housing Authority of Baltimore City: How to Apply The Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) announced that applications will be accepted for the HABC’s Low-Income Public Housing waiting list for housing units in Baltimore City. The Low-Income Public Housing Program is a federally funded, rental assistance program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Applications will be accepted online only starting August 1, 2023, at (9:00AM) and ending August 14, 2023, at (11:59 PM). Once the application period opens on August 1st through ...