Maryland Rules on Rent Increases After Accessibility Upgrades

If you're a renter in Maryland and your landlord has upgraded your home to make it more accessible, you may wonder if they can raise your rent as a result. It's important to understand your rights and the rules that protect tenants with disabilities, as well as the limits landlords must follow regarding rent increases after modifications for accessibility.

Understanding Accessibility Upgrades and Rent Increases in Maryland

Accessibility upgrades can include ramps, grab bars, wider doors, or other modifications to help renters with disabilities. In Maryland, both federal and state laws provide renters with protections against discrimination and set out rules for rent increases following these upgrades.

What Is an Accessibility Upgrade?

• Installation of ramps or lifts
• Adding grab bars or accessible bathroom fixtures
• Adjusting counters or doorways for wheelchair access
• Other modifications to improve access for those with disabilities

Under the federal Fair Housing Act and Maryland law, landlords must allow reasonable modifications at the tenant’s expense. Sometimes, landlords may agree to pay for or share the cost of these changes.

Can a Landlord Raise the Rent After Accessibility Modifications?

In Maryland, there’s no statewide rent control, but landlords cannot raise rent due to a renter’s disability or because reasonable modifications were requested. However, they may raise rent for other reasons by providing proper notice and complying with all local laws. Check if your city or county (like Baltimore or Montgomery County) has special rent stabilization ordinances for extra protections.

• Rent can not be increased solely because you requested or made accessibility upgrades.
• All rent increases require written notice—usually at least 60 days before a lease renewal or change.
• For state legislation, see the Maryland Code, Real Property, Title 8.

Your Rights Under Maryland and Federal Law

Both laws protect you from discrimination based on disability and ensure your right to request reasonable modifications without retaliation, such as unjustified rent hikes or termination of tenancy.

• Federal Law: Fair Housing Act
• Maryland State Law: Real Property Code, Title 8

What to Do If You Think a Rent Increase Is Discriminatory

• Contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Gather documentation: copies of notices, your correspondence, and details of the accessibility upgrades.
• You may be able to file a complaint if you believe the rent increase violates your rights.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Maryland Reasonable Accommodation Request Form (no official state number):
  • When to Use: Use this form to request accessibility modifications from your landlord, such as ramps or grab bars.
  • How It’s Used: Fill out and send it to your landlord to document your request. Keep a copy for your records.
  • Download the official Maryland Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903):
  • When to Use: If you believe your landlord raised the rent in retaliation for an accessibility request, file this form with HUD.
  • How It’s Used: Fill out the details and submit it online or by mail to HUD.
  • File a housing discrimination complaint with HUD (Form 903)

Relevant Maryland Rental Tribunal

Disputes involving rent increases or discrimination can be addressed with the Maryland District Court, which handles landlord-tenant matters. You can also turn to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights for accessibility and discrimination issues.

Summary of Rules for Rent Increases

• Rent increases must never be based on a renter’s disability or because an accessibility upgrade was requested or completed.
• Written advance notice is required for any rent increase, with timing set by your lease and local law.
• Keep all documentation if you believe a rent increase is discriminatory.

1. Do Maryland landlords have to allow accessibility upgrades?
   Yes. Under state and federal law, landlords must allow reasonable modifications for renters with disabilities, provided you pay for the changes unless the property receives federal funding, which may shift some responsibility to the landlord.
2. Can my landlord increase my rent after I request a reasonable accommodation?
   No. Your landlord cannot increase your rent solely due to your request for accommodation. All rent increases must comply with general laws and cannot be discriminatory.
3. What notice is required for rent increases in Maryland?
   Landlords typically must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before raising rent. Local rules and lease agreements may require longer periods.
4. Who can help if I believe my rent increase is unfair or discriminatory?
   Contact the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for help with discrimination issues.
5. Is there an official state rent control in Maryland?
   No, Maryland does not have statewide rent control, but some counties and cities may have local protections.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Landlords cannot increase rent due to accessibility upgrades or disability status.
• Always send requests for modifications in writing and keep records.
• If you suspect discrimination, you have the right to file an official complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Commission on Civil Rights — State agency for discrimination complaints and disability accommodation issues
• Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Resources
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Rights
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development — Housing resources and support
• Maryland People's Law Library: Disability Rights and Fair Housing

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property, Title 8
2. Federal Fair Housing Act
3. Maryland Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
4. HUD Form 903
5. Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
6. Maryland District Court

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