Maryland Protected Classes and Fair Housing Rights

Understanding your rights as a renter in Maryland is essential, especially when it comes to protection against housing discrimination. Maryland fair housing laws define specific protected classes, making it illegal for a landlord or housing provider to treat people unfairly based on certain characteristics. In this article, we'll explain which classes are protected, how Maryland's laws safeguard renters, and what actions you can take if you believe your rights have been violated.

Who Is Protected Under Maryland Fair Housing Laws?

Federal and Maryland state laws work together to prevent housing discrimination. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, it's illegal to discriminate based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (such as having children under 18)

Maryland law adds more protections. Under the Maryland Fair Housing Law, the following classes are also protected:

• Marital status
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Source of income (such as housing vouchers, Social Security, or other legal income)

Local jurisdictions—like Baltimore City or Montgomery County—sometimes provide even more protections. Always check with your local government for details about expanded protected classes in your area.

Examples of Housing Discrimination in Maryland

Discrimination can take many forms—some obvious, others more subtle. Examples include:

• A landlord refusing to rent to you because you have children
• Charging higher rent or security deposit because of your race or national origin
• Refusing reasonable accommodations to a tenant with a disability (such as allowing a service animal)
• Advertising “No Housing Vouchers” or refusing to accept legal sources of income
• Sexual harassment or gender-based favoritism in the application process

What Should You Do If You Face Discrimination?

Maryland renters who believe they've faced discrimination have rights. The first step is often to gather evidence—such as messages, applications, or witness statements. Then, you may file a formal complaint.

Where to File a Discrimination Complaint

• Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) – Main state agency for housing discrimination
  • Visit their official website for housing discrimination
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – For federal protections
  • Learn about federal complaint filing on the HUD complaint process page
• Local Human Rights Agencies – Some cities/counties offer additional support

The main tribunal handling these cases in Maryland is the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR).

Relevant Official Form: Housing Discrimination Complaint

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (MCCR Form)
• When to Use: If you believe a landlord, property manager, or housing provider has discriminated against you on the basis of a protected class while renting, applying, or during your tenancy.
• How to Use: Fill out the paper or online form, describing what happened and providing your contact information and supporting evidence. Submit directly to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights online intake portal or download the official Housing Discrimination Complaint form (PDF) for mail/fax/email submission. Example: If your landlord refuses to accept your Housing Choice Voucher, you’d select "source of income" as the basis for your complaint and describe your situation in the form.

Overview of Maryland Tenant-Landlord Anti-Discrimination Legislation

The primary law covering discrimination and fair housing in Maryland is found in Maryland Code, State Government §§ 20-701 to 20-1102. This law closely follows federal standards, but expands on them by including marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income. The law also prohibits retaliation for filing a complaint.

If you are unsure whether your experience counts as discrimination, MCCR staff can help you understand how the law applies to your unique situation.

FAQ: Maryland Protected Classes and Your Rights

1. What is considered "source of income" discrimination in Maryland?
   Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, treat you differently, or advertise an unwillingness to accept legal sources of income, such as Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers or Social Security payments.
2. Can a landlord reject my application because I have children?
   No. "Familial status" is a protected class. It's illegal for landlords to refuse occupancy or create special rules just because you have children under 18.
3. Do Maryland’s protections cover sexual orientation and gender identity?
   Yes. Maryland law specifically protects tenants from housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in addition to federal protections.
4. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint in Maryland?
   You generally have 1 year from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file your complaint with MCCR or HUD.
5. Can local governments in Maryland add more protected classes?
   Yes, some local governments add protections such as age or occupation. It's smart to check your county or city's website for extra protections that may apply.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Maryland and federal laws protect renters from discrimination based on a wider range of characteristics than federal law alone.
• If you suspect discrimination, document your experience and consider contacting the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or HUD.
• Use the official Housing Discrimination Complaint form to start a formal investigation.

Knowing your rights can help you respond quickly and effectively if you face housing discrimination in Maryland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR): Complaint intake, housing discrimination forms, support (statewide)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Fair Housing
• Maryland People's Law Library – General tenant protection info
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: Renters' rights and housing resources

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1. Maryland Fair Housing Law: Maryland Code, State Government §§ 20-701 to 20-1102
2. Maryland Commission on Civil Rights – Housing Discrimination
3. HUD: Protected Classes and Fair Housing Act
4. MCCR Housing Discrimination Complaint Forms
5. Maryland People's Law Library: Fair Housing Discrimination

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