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Bill

HB 80

Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases - Fee Disclosures

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Vogel

Maryland bill requires landlords to disclose all residential lease fees upfront in standardized format, increasing transparency for renters evaluating total housing costs.

Third Reading Passed (94-35)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 80

Legislative bill overview

HB 80 requires landlords in Maryland to disclose all fees associated with residential leases upfront and in a standardized format before tenants sign agreements. The bill aims to increase transparency around charges beyond base rent, such as application fees, pet fees, parking fees, and other miscellaneous costs that landlords may impose.

Why is this important

Hidden or unclear fees are a significant source of tenant-landlord disputes and can create unexpected financial burdens for renters during an already expensive housing search. Clear fee disclosure protects vulnerable populations and allows prospective tenants to make fully informed decisions about affordability before committing to a lease.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance costs: Landlords argue that standardized disclosure requirements create administrative burdens and may necessitate updated lease templates and tracking systems
  • Fee flexibility concerns: Some property managers worry that mandated disclosure formats could limit their ability to structure fees differently based on property type or market conditions
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill's effectiveness depends on adequate enforcement; unclear penalties for non-compliance may result in inconsistent application

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

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