Understanding Fair Housing Laws in Maryland
Understanding Fair Housing Laws in Maryland
Fair housing laws are designed to protect individuals from discrimination when renting, buying, or securing financing for housing. Maryland, like the federal government, has strong legal protections to ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all individuals. Understanding these laws can help residents, landlords, real estate agents, and lenders comply with legal requirements and uphold fair housing standards.
Federal and State Fair Housing Protections
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) of 1968, enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability. Maryland’s fair housing laws expand on these protections by including additional protected classes and offering stronger enforcement mechanisms.
In Maryland, fair housing is primarily governed by the Maryland Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on the federally protected categories, as well as additional protections such as:
Marital status
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Source of income (e.g., housing vouchers or alimony payments)
These laws apply to most housing providers, including landlords, property managers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and homeowner associations.
Prohibited Acts Under Fair Housing Laws
Maryland’s fair housing laws make it illegal for housing providers to engage in discriminatory practices, such as:
Refusing to rent, sell, or negotiate housing based on a protected characteristic.
Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental.
Providing false information about housing availability.
Harassment or intimidation of tenants based on their membership in a protected class.
Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, it is unlawful for mortgage lenders to redline, which means denying loans or imposing unfavorable loan terms based on race or neighborhood demographics.
Filing a Fair Housing Complaint in Maryland
Individuals who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination in Maryland can file a complaint through:
The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) – This state agency enforces Maryland’s fair housing laws and investigates complaints.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Complaints can also be filed federally if the discrimination violates the Fair Housing Act.
Local Government Agencies – Some Maryland counties, such as Montgomery and Howard, have local agencies handling fair housing complaints.
Complaints must generally be filed within one year of the alleged violation. Remedies may include monetary compensation, policy changes, or other corrective actions to prevent future discrimination.
Best Practices for Housing Providers
To ensure compliance with Maryland’s fair housing laws, landlords and housing professionals should:
Use consistent screening criteria for all applicants.
Train staff on fair housing laws and anti-discrimination policies.
Avoid discriminatory language in advertisements.
Respond to reasonable accommodation requests in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Maryland’s fair housing laws serve to protect individuals from unjust discrimination in housing-related matters. Whether you are a tenant, homebuyer, landlord, or real estate professional, understanding and adhering to these laws is crucial. If you experience or witness housing discrimination, reporting the violation can help ensure fair treatment and uphold the integrity of Maryland’s housing market.
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