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SB 335

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Charles and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland bill prohibits housing discrimination against tenants using income-based subsidies or vouchers, expanding fair housing protections to vulnerable low-income populations.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 773
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Bill Summary · SB 335

Legislative bill overview

SB 335 would amend Maryland's fair housing laws to prohibit discrimination based on source of income, specifically protecting tenants who receive housing subsidies or vouchers. The bill extends existing anti-discrimination protections to prevent landlords from refusing to rent to qualified applicants solely because they use income-based housing assistance programs.

Why is this important

Housing discrimination based on subsidy use creates barriers for vulnerable populations—including elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and low-income families—who rely on programs like Housing Choice Vouchers. This bill addresses a significant gap in fair housing protections that currently exist for race, gender, and other protected classes but not for subsidy recipients, potentially expanding access to stable housing for thousands of Marylanders.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns: Property owners may argue that subsidy programs involve additional administrative burdens, stricter regulations, and rent-setting constraints that differ from market-rate tenancies
  • Program payment reliability: Landlords may cite concerns about government voucher payment delays or disputes over rent amounts, though data on actual payment issues varies by jurisdiction
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear how the state would investigate and remedy alleged discrimination, and what penalties would apply to violators, which could affect implementation costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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