Several new Maryland housing laws took effect October 1, bringing changes involving criminal background checks, housing subsidies, rental payment reporting and air conditioning requirements.
Among the most significant changes is the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, which establishes new rules for how certain landlords and housing providers can consider the criminal histories of prospective tenants.
The law applies to housing providers that own or manage five or more residential units in Maryland. It does not apply to owner-occupied residential rental units or housing providers that do not conduct criminal background checks…