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HB 1077

Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases - Prospective Tenant Criminal History Records Check (Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adrian Boafo and 1 co-sponsor

Maryland bill restricts landlords' use of criminal background checks in tenant screening, requiring individualized assessment to improve housing access for people with conviction records.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1077

Legislative bill overview

HB 1077, the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act, restricts landlords' ability to conduct criminal background checks on prospective tenants and limits how criminal history can be used in rental decisions. The bill establishes standards for when and how landlords may consider an applicant's criminal record, requiring individualized assessment rather than blanket exclusions based on conviction history.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects housing access for formerly incarcerated individuals and those with criminal records, who face significant barriers to securing rental housing. Approximately 2.3 million Americans are incarcerated, and millions more have conviction records that create persistent employment and housing discrimination. The policy recognizes that overly restrictive screening practices can perpetuate cycles of homelessness and recidivism while limiting economic opportunity.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord liability concerns: Property owners may worry about reduced ability to screen for safety risks and potential legal exposure if a tenant with relevant criminal history causes harm on the property
  • Scope of criminal history consideration: Disagreement over which offenses (violent crimes, drug-related, sex offenses) should be permissible screening factors and what timeline applies (seven years, ten years, etc.)
  • Implementation costs: Landlords may face increased compliance costs for individualized assessments versus standardized background check policies, potentially raising housing costs

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

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