Residential Leases - Use of Algorithmic Device by Landlord to Determine Rent - Prohibition

HB 817 prohibits Maryland landlords from using algorithmic tools that rely on nonpublic data about competitors' rents (such as actual prices, occupancy rates, or lease terms) to set tenant rent amounts. This directly affects residential landlords who currently use such tools for pricing decisions. The law exempts aggregated, anonymous market reports from trade associations and tools used to set rents under affordable housing programs. Violations would be treated as unfair trade practices under Maryland's Consumer Protection Act, effective October 1, 2025.