Maryland limits landlords’ criminal history checks for renters

Before making a conditional offer, a landlord may not ask about most criminal history or reject an application for it. This applies to landlords who own or manage five or more residential rental units in Maryland, including units held through other entities. Owner-occupied rental units are excluded. Before an offer, landlords may ask about and reject applications based on certain listed convictions and sex-offender registration history. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

After making a conditional offer, a landlord may check criminal history and may withdraw the offer only for listed convictions and when needed to meet a substantial, legitimate, and nondiscriminatory interest. This applies to prospective renters applying to covered landlords; owner-occupied rental units are excluded. Landlords must consider evidence of record errors, rehabilitation, and other mitigating factors. After a withdrawal, renters may request a reassessment and a copy of the information used. The law’s printed conviction lists contain conflicting amendment text, so the precise list cannot be stated with confidence. A renter has 30 days after notice of withdrawal to request the information used in the decision. The landlord must provide it within 10 days after a timely request.

Covered landlords may not publish ads that reject renters because of arrests or convictions, unless federal law requires it; violations are subject to consumer protection enforcement and penalties. These rules apply to landlords who own or manage five or more residential rental units in Maryland, excluding owner-occupied rental units. The law also bars statements, applications, and inquiries that conflict with these rules, unless federal law requires them. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.