housing justice
Baltimore City Rental Property Registration and Licensing Law
Non owner-occupied properties in Baltimore City are required to be registered with the City. Also, non owner-occupied rental properties also have to be inspected and licensed, in addition to the registration requirement. Baltimore's licensing law went into effect in 2018, and applies to single-family homes as well as multifamily properties (apartments), rental condos, etc. A Baltimore City landlord cannot charge or collect rent for a property that is not inspected and licensed. Please go here to download the sections of Baltimore City Code that cover registration, licensing, and inspections. (This link will open a PDF file). For more information on ...
My Landlord Won’t Make Repairs! Now What?
We get quite a few inquiries from tenants who are living in unimaginable circumstances. No heat or hot water in the winter, basements and walls covered in black mold, leaky roof, flooded basements, even a collapsed ceiling or two, and they’ve contacted the landlord to ask about repairs and maintenance. Their circumstances may vary, but the question at the end of the email is generally the same: “What can I do now?” Let’s rewind a little, and go back to when the problems first started. We’ll assume that you alerted your landlord to the problem immediately. We’ll even give the ...
Maryland Counties With Rental Registration/Licensing Requirements
We get a lot of questions from both landlords and tenants about rental licensing and/or registration. The jurisdictions below are where most of our registration and licensing questions originate from. This list is by no means complete — please do your research if you’re a landlord or tenant, and contact your local planning, zoning, or housing department for more information. Allegany County (Cumberland) Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis Baltimore City (You can also click here to download the applicable section of Baltimore City code.) Baltimore County Carroll County (Westminster) Dorchester County (Cambridge) City of Frederick (Starts January 1, ...
New for 2023: The Tenant Guide!
Finding a new rental in Maryland can be a challenge, especially in 2023, so we’ve distilled a lot of tips and tricks into one easy-to-use tenant guide. It includes information on: How to find a good rental How to calculate affordability Things to look out for when researching the landlord or management company What to do when something goes wrong You can download your free copy of the Tenant Guide here. If you still have concerns about the property you’re living in, you’re always welcome to send us an intake form or call our tenant line Tuesday through Friday, from 10 AM ...
Fair Housing
Fair Housing Economic Action's Fair Housing program works to root out discrimination in housing and assist Maryland residents with resolving Fair Housing complaints. To do this... we educate individuals and organizations about housing rights. we take fair housing complaints and work to resolve them. we advocate on behalf of individuals and communities facing current and historic discrimination. we educate housing providers about their fair housing responsibilities. You can download a list of State, Federal, and local protected classes here, along with our program flyer and information on Maryland's HOME Act and Disability Rights. If you're looking for ...
Tenant Advocacy
Tenant Advocacy The Tenant Advocacy program works to ensure Maryland renters are living in safe and healthy housing. Our tenant advocates advance housing justice in Maryland through direct service, research, and advocacy. Services include assistance with landlord-tenant issues and tenants’ rights information and education. The Tenant Advocacy program is unique in that we provide Maryland tenants statewide (all counties, and Baltimore City) with free information about tenant rights and responsibilities on the following topics: Lease reviews Eviction Notification and Procedure, Illegal Eviction Nonpayment of Rent (Please note: We do not provide financial assistance.) Code Enforcement, including ...
Securing Older Adult Resources
Securing Older Adult Resources Program (SOAR) The Securing Older Adult Resources Program (SOAR) works to improve the economic security of older adults in Maryland through direct assistance, research, advocacy, and organizing. Direct services include assistance with the Maryland Homeowners and Renters Property Tax Credits, earned benefit screenings, financial coaching and counseling, and consumer education on financial exploitation, common scams, and digital literacy. Get Help! Take the Homeowners' Tax Credit Take the Renters' Tax Credit Tax Credit Hotline: 443.961.6220 Register for a Digital Privacy Training Financial ...
Housing Justice
Cars & Auto Insurance Everyone has the right to safe, affordable housing free from discrimination, harassment, and code violations. Our Tenant Advocacy and Fair Housing programs assist thousands of people a year struggling with unsafe, illegal, or discriminatory housing situations. Our policy advocacy is directly shaped by the people we work with as we seek to create system change that leads to better housing for everyone. Homeownership is a vital aspect of wealth-building for low-and-moderate income families. The 2009 mortgage crisis devastated thousands of working families across Maryland who lost wealth and equity throughout the crisis. This ...
About
About Us Our Values We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of all people and prioritize the needs of marginalized communities through our focus on collaboration and coalition efforts. We value a data-driven, strategic, and innovative approach to justice that empowers people. Mission Economic Action Maryland Fund champions economic rights, equal opportunity, and housing justice through advocacy, research, and direct service. Vision Economic Action Maryland Fund envisions an inclusive and just economy in which all Marylanders’ basic needs are met and historical injustices ...