Programs
Fair Housing
Are you being discriminated against by a Maryland realtor, landlord, property manager, or lender? We can help!
Tenant Advocacy
Need assistance with Maryland tenant or landlord issues? We can help!
Use this form to contact us if you're a member of the media, have a general question about our organization and the services we provide, or if you just want to say hello. If you are a tenant or landlord (or other housing provider) and need assistance with a Fair Housing or tenant-landlord matter, please use our "Ask A Housing Question" button above!
Housing News
COVID-19 Information for Residents, Business Owners, and Property Managers/Rental Housing Providers
National Information The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has extended the eviction and foreclosure moratorium on properties with Enterprise-backed mortgages until at least June 30. See the links immediately below to check if your property has one of these mortgages. Under the CARES Act, renters living in a property with an Enterprise-backed mortgage are covered Read more about COVID-19 Information for Residents, Business Owners, and Property Managers/Rental Housing Providers[…]
25 Rental Housing Operational Tips for Getting Through COVID-19
Used with permission from the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA), the following suggestions could be used by small multi-family and single-family landlords, where applicable — particularly when you have senior and/or immunocompromised residents who may not be able to leave their homes, or if your residents would like maintenance and other personnel to take extra precautions Read more about 25 Rental Housing Operational Tips for Getting Through COVID-19[…]
Maryland Eviction Information
Information courtesy the Public Justice Center: As of March 16, 2020, all evictions in Baltimore City have been postponed through March 27, 2020. Any eviction scheduled between now and Friday, March 27 will be rescheduled for some time on or after Monday, March 30. You may not receive notice of the rescheduled eviction date. Evictions Read more about Maryland Eviction Information[…]
Urgent: Tell your state delegates: YES to the Tenant Protection Act HB 744
The Housing/Real Property Subcommittee will vote TODAY on HB 744, Tenant Protection Act. The amended bill brings renter and landlord interests together on 3 new statewide protections for Marylanders, in an effort to balance the power dynamic between landlords and tenants: Utility bill transparency: Have you ever wondered why the landlord billed you a certain Read more about Urgent: Tell your state delegates: YES to the Tenant Protection Act HB 744[…]
HUD Announces Guidance on Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Act Regarding Assistance Animals
From the press release issued today, January 28, 2020: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing against individuals who have disabilities that affect a major life activity. The Act requires housing providers to permit a change or exception to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary to provide people with disabilities Read more about HUD Announces Guidance on Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Act Regarding Assistance Animals[…]
Baltimore County Passes the HOME Act
On November 4, the Baltimore County Council passed the Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Act which prohibits discrimination based on source of income, making it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to otherwise qualified tenants who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The bill passed with one amendment, which exempts landlords who own Read more about Baltimore County Passes the HOME Act[…]
Time to End Housing Segregation and Discrimination in Baltimore County
On October 4, Baltimore County introduced the Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Act which will end source of income discrimination by eliminating discrimination against people who use a Housing Choice voucher. Eliminating discrimination based on how people pay for housing provides important new protections for people who freelance, seniors receiving a pension or Social Security, Read more about Time to End Housing Segregation and Discrimination in Baltimore County[…]
“My Landlord Won’t Make Repairs, Now What?”
We get quite a few inquiries from tenants who are living in unimaginable circumstances. No heat or hot water in the winter, basements and walls covered in black mold, leaky roof, flooded basements, even a collapsed ceiling or two, and they’ve contacted the landlord to ask about repairs and maintenance. Their circumstances may vary, but Read more about “My Landlord Won’t Make Repairs, Now What?”[…]
Damage vs Normal Wear and Tear
A lot of our tenant inquiries this week were about security deposits, and the difference between normal wear and tear vs damage. A few landlords were asking about it, too, so it seemed a topic worth investigating further. The good news: There is a difference. The bad news: Nobody can really agree on what the Read more about Damage vs Normal Wear and Tear[…]