Human Relations - Discrimination in Housing - Income-Based Housing Subsidies

HB 896 prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to prospective tenants who use income-based housing subsidies (such as Section 8 vouchers) based on the tenant's income, credit score, or credit history. The bill directly affects landlords and tenants in Maryland, ensuring that rental applications using such subsidies cannot be denied for these specific reasons. Key provisions include an exception allowing landlords who receive funding requiring income qualification (e.g., for income-restricted housing) to collect financial information as a condition of that funding. Violations would be enforced by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights as discriminatory housing practices. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.