Three Maryland Housing Laws That Took Effect October 1, 2026

Which Maryland housing laws took effect October 1, 2026?

Three. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) lists them in a public notice for housing providers. It also published the 2027 Tenants’ Bill of Rights on October 1, 2026.

What does the Fair Chance Housing Act require?

It applies to housing providers who own or manage five or more residential units in Maryland. DHCD says it does not apply to owner-occupied rental units or to providers who do not run criminal background checks. The Fair Chance Housing Act glossary entry gives a short definition.

DHCD summarizes the law this way.

1. A provider generally must make a conditional offer before checking criminal history.
2. Applicants must disclose certain specified convictions if asked.
3. If a provider withdraws a conditional offer because of criminal history, it must give the reason.
4. The applicant may ask for a reassessment and may submit more documents.
5. A provider may not advertise that it will not consider applicants with criminal histories.
6. A provider may not require drug or alcohol testing.
7. Penalties can reach $500 per violation.

DHCD says it is developing voluntary model forms. Providers do not have to use them. If you manage fewer than five units, read the notice anyway and ask an attorney how the law reaches your situation.

What changed for applicants who use housing subsidies?

A provider generally may not refuse an applicant who will pay rent with an income-based subsidy because of the applicant’s income, credit score or lack of one, or adverse credit history from before the subsidy. A provider may verify income for the part of the rent the subsidy does not cover. A provider may still look at references, lease violations, unpaid utilities, nuisance and property damage.

Maryland treats housing vouchers as a lawful source of income. Our housing vouchers guide for landlords and the housing choice voucher entry give background.

What is positive rent reporting?

Providers must offer tenants the option to have on-time, complete rent payments reported to consumer reporting agencies.

A provider may charge participating tenants a fee. It may not exceed the lesser of the provider’s actual cost or $10 per month.

Does the air-conditioning law apply to my house?

Probably not. DHCD describes the rule as covering apartment buildings with 10 or more units. It applies only to certain units: those built after June 1, 2026, those that had air conditioning at any time after January 1, 2025, those whose lease required the provider to supply it, and those that get a qualifying electrical or heating renovation after October 1, 2026. Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are excluded.

Covered providers must make air conditioning available that can cool a unit to 80 degrees or lower from June 1 to September 30. If the provider controls the system, it must keep the unit at 80 or below in that period. Most single-family owners are not covered. If you own a larger building, read the bill.

What should I update in my lease and forms?

Follow these steps.

1. Replace the Tenants’ Bill of Rights with the 2027 version. See the Tenants’ Bill of Rights entry.
2. Add the positive rent reporting option to every new lease.
3. Calendar January 1, 2027 for older leases.
4. If the Fair Chance Act reaches you, review your screening order and ads.
5. Check your security deposit and late fee terms against current limits.
6. Read the Maryland landlord-tenant law guide for the rest.

What are the key dates?

Where can I find forms?

DHCD says its Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs page carries resources for landlords, including voluntary model forms. DHCD also says it is developing model forms for the Fair Chance Housing Act. You are not required to use any of them.

How does the subsidy law change my screening steps?

Write down your screening criteria before you take applications. Use the same criteria for every applicant. For an applicant who will pay with an income-based subsidy, check income only against the part of the rent the subsidy does not cover. Read references and lease history the same way you do for everyone else. Our tenant screening guide walks through a consistent process.

Next step

Want help keeping leases current across several homes? Request a free assessment at /contact-us or call (301) 392-2172.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.