Recognize and Avoid Affordable Housing Scams in Maryland

If you’re searching for affordable housing in Maryland, it’s essential to protect yourself from scams that can threaten your savings, housing stability, and peace of mind. Affordable housing scams are on the rise, often targeting renters facing rent increases or eviction worries. This guide explains common schemes, warning signs, and how Maryland renters can stay safe.

Understanding Affordable Housing Scams in Maryland

Scammers may pretend to be landlords, property managers, or even government representatives. They often target renters applying for low-income or subsidized housing with promises of immediate approval, low deposits, or special deals. These schemes can lead you to lose money, personal information, or your chance at real safe housing.

Common Types of Scams in Maryland

• Fake Rental Listings: Scammers post listings for apartments that don’t exist or aren’t available, using stolen photos or old ads.
• Application Fee Schemes: Requests for hefty application fees, deposits, or background check payments before any paperwork is shown or viewings are allowed.
• Phantom Subsidy Programs: Promising placement in government programs (like Section 8) for a fee. Official government programs never require payment to join waitlists.
• Phishing and Identity Theft: Fraudsters ask for Social Security numbers, bank info, or other sensitive data via unofficial channels.

Warning Signs: How to Spot a Scam

• Pressure to pay money up front before seeing the property or signing a lease
• Asking for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Refusal to meet in person or conduct a walkthrough
• Poorly written emails, unusual requests, or contacting you outside normal hours
• Claiming to be with a government agency but using unofficial email addresses

Stay vigilant and consider contacting the managing authorities when in doubt. Maryland’s affordable housing programs, such as the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, never charge to apply or join waitlists.

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

Protecting yourself means knowing what steps to take if something seems suspicious or if you become a victim.

• Do not provide payment or sensitive details without verifying the legitimacy of the offer.
• Ask for proof of property ownership (such as a deed, tax bill, or Maryland driver’s license matching the landlord’s name).
• Report suspicious listings to sites like Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.
• Check with the official Maryland Housing Search to verify if assistance programs or listings are legitimate.
• If personal information has been shared, consider contacting local law enforcement and monitor your credit for unusual activity.

Relevant Official Forms for Maryland Renters

• Maryland Tenant Complaint Form
  Use: If you’ve been targeted by a housing scam, use the “Consumer Complaint Form” from the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. This form allows you to report fraudulent landlords, fake listings, or demands for illegitimate fees.
  Access the Maryland Consumer Complaint Form

How to use it: Download the form, fill in your experience (including as many details as possible, such as names, addresses, and what was offered), and submit it by mail or online through the Attorney General’s website. This helps state authorities investigate and stop scam operations.

The Tribunal That Handles Tenant Disputes

In Maryland, residential rental disputes (including fraud and eviction) are handled by the Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division. This is the main tribunal where renters can seek relief, file a complaint, or respond to eviction notices.

Relevant Maryland Tenancy Legislation

• Maryland Real Property Code Title 8 – Landlord and Tenant: This law sets the rules for rental agreements, security deposits, notices, and your rights as a tenant.

This legislation protects renters from unlawful actions by landlords and provides guidance on legitimate rental practices in Maryland.

FAQ: Affordable Housing Scams in Maryland

1. What should I do if I paid money to a fake landlord?
   If you’ve sent money to a scammer, file a police report and submit the Consumer Complaint Form to the Maryland Attorney General. Also, inform your bank and monitor your credit.
2. Are government affordable housing programs ever allowed to charge up-front fees?
   No, official Maryland and federal affordable housing programs never charge an up-front application or waiting list fee. If asked, it is likely a scam.
3. How do I check if a rental listing is real?
   Use the Maryland Housing Search or contact local housing authorities to verify that a property is legitimately available.
4. Where do I report a possible affordable housing scam?
   Report suspicious offers to the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and your local police department for investigation.
5. What laws protect Maryland renters from scams?
   The Maryland Real Property Code Title 8 and consumer protection laws safeguard renters from fraudulent practices.

Key Takeaways for Maryland Renters

• Never send money or personal information before verifying a rental offer or property owner.
• Use official government and housing authority websites to check listings and subsidy programs.
• If scammed, contact the Maryland Attorney General and the Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division for help.

Being cautious and informed is the best way to avoid affordable housing scams in Maryland.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division: (410) 528-8662
• Maryland Housing Search: Official rental listings and voucher information
• Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division: Handle legal disputes with landlords
• Maryland Legal Aid: Free legal services for renters in need

---

1. Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Housing Search Tool
2. Maryland Attorney General – Consumer Complaint Form
3. Maryland Real Property Code Title 8 – Landlord and Tenant
4. Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Division

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations