Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal for Maryland Renters?

For renters across Maryland, finding a home can be challenging—especially if your income comes from non-traditional sources like housing vouchers, alimony, or disability benefits. Understanding whether landlords can legally reject your application because of how you pay rent is an important piece of the puzzle. This guide explains Maryland's laws on source of income discrimination, how they protect renters, and what steps you can take if you experience unfair treatment.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent to you, treats you differently, or imposes extra requirements just because of the way you pay rent. Common sources include:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
• Social Security or SSI benefits
• Alimony or child support
• Public assistance or unemployment

This kind of discrimination can make it much harder for many Marylanders to access stable, quality housing.

Is Source of Income Discrimination Banned in Maryland?

Yes—Maryland state law prohibits landlords from discriminating against renters based on their lawful source of income. As of October 1, 2020, the Maryland Fair Housing Act was amended to include “source of income” as a protected class. That means landlords generally cannot reject you, treat you differently, or set other terms just because you pay rent with a voucher or benefit.

The state law is found in the Maryland Fair Housing Act. This law applies to most rentals, though there are some limited exceptions (for example, some smaller owner-occupied properties).

What Actions Are Illegal?

Landlords cannot:

• Deny your rental application solely because you use a voucher or benefit
• Set different rent amounts or offer different lease terms because of your income source
• Advertise that they do not accept certain types of income

This protection covers all forms of lawful income. Landlords may, however, still check your total income and rental history—they just cannot discriminate based on the type of income you have.

How to Take Action If You Face Source of Income Discrimination

If you suspect a landlord has discriminated against you due to your income source, several official avenues are available to seek help and potentially resolve the issue.

• Document everything. Save texts, emails, and notes of your conversations with the landlord or property manager.
• File a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR). This is the state agency that investigates housing discrimination cases.
• Consider filing with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if your situation also involves federal violations.

Official Form: Fair Housing Intake Questionnaire (MCCR)

Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Intake Questionnaire
When/How to Use: Complete this form if you want to report a landlord or property manager for discrimination based on your lawful source of income (or any protected class). The MCCR uses the details you provide to decide whether to open an investigation.
Example: If you applied to rent an apartment using your Section 8 voucher and were told vouchers are not accepted, you can complete and submit this form to begin the complaint process.
Official Source: Download the MCCR Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire

The Tribunal Handling Residential Tenancy Complaints in Maryland

In Maryland, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) is the primary agency handling fair housing discrimination complaints involving source of income. They will investigate, help mediate, or enforce the law as needed.

Relevant Maryland Tenancy Legislation

The key state law for renters is the Maryland Fair Housing Act – Section 20-705. This statute spells out that landlords may not discriminate based on lawful source of income, along with other protected classes. For broader landlord-tenant rules (notice to vacate, eviction, repairs), review the Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws.

FAQ: Source of Income Discrimination in Maryland

1. Can my landlord refuse to accept my Section 8 voucher or housing benefit?
   No—under state law, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you just because you use a voucher or housing subsidy to pay rent.
2. Does the law apply to all types of housing in Maryland?
   Most rentals are covered, but there are narrow exceptions (like certain small, owner-occupied buildings). Always check with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights if unsure.
3. How do I file a source of income discrimination complaint?
   Complete the MCCR Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire and submit it to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights. You can call their office for help if needed.
4. What happens after I file a complaint?
   The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights will review your complaint, may investigate, and could offer mediation or take enforcement action if appropriate.
5. Are landlords allowed to check my ability to pay rent?
   Yes—landlords can verify your total income and rental history, as long as they don’t discriminate based on the source of your income.

Key Takeaways

• Maryland law bans source of income discrimination in most rental housing situations.
  
• You can file a fair housing complaint if denied housing due to how you pay rent.
  
• Reach out to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights for support and official forms.

Knowing your rights is the first step to securing safe, fair housing in Maryland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: Official Fair Housing Help – Contact for discrimination complaints, mediation, and education.
• MCCR Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
• U.S. HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process
• Maryland Attorney General – Tenant Rights and Protections

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1. Maryland Fair Housing Act – Section 20-705
2. Maryland Commission on Civil Rights – Fair Housing
3. MCCR Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
4. Maryland Landlord-Tenant Laws

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