Understanding LIHTC Rental Properties for Maryland Renters

If you are a renter in Maryland looking for affordable housing, you may have heard of LIHTC properties. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is a federal program that helps make rent more affordable for eligible tenants across the state. Knowing your rights and the steps involved can empower you to find and benefit from these housing options.

What Are LIHTC Properties?

LIHTC properties are residential rental buildings developed or renovated with the help of federal tax credits. Property owners receive these credits in exchange for reserving a portion of their units for low-income renters and keeping rents within set limits. In Maryland, these properties are overseen by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

• Set income limits for residents based on the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Rent caps—meaning your rent won’t exceed a certain percentage of your income
• Special tenant protections compared to some private market rentals

This helps ensure housing remains accessible for families, seniors, and individuals with low to moderate incomes.

Who Is Eligible for LIHTC Housing in Maryland?

Eligibility depends on your household income and family size. Generally, you must earn less than 50% or 60% of the area’s median income. Renters must usually:

• Provide proof of income and household size
• Pass background and credit checks (requirements vary by property)
• Complete an application with the property manager

How to Apply for LIHTC Housing: Key Steps

Applying for a low-income tax credit apartment in Maryland is straightforward, but documentation is important. Here’s what to expect:

• Search for available LIHTC properties on the Maryland Housing Search portal.
• Contact the property manager to ask about openings and request an application.
• Gather documents such as proof of income, identification, and household details.
• Submit your completed application and wait for eligibility review. Some properties may have waitlists.

After you’re approved and move in, you’ll need to recertify your eligibility each year.

Tenant Rights and Protections in LIHTC Properties

Maryland renters in LIHTC units have the same rights as all other tenants, with a few added protections:

• Your rent cannot exceed the annual rent limits set by the property’s agreement.
• Evictions must follow Maryland state law, and additional notice may be required if the unit is leaving the LIHTC program.
• You can file a complaint about unsafe living conditions or discrimination with state or federal agencies.

State tenant protections come from the Maryland Code, Real Property - Title 8, Landlord and Tenant^[1]. If you face unlawful eviction or denied repairs, you may contact the tribunal below.

Maryland’s Official Tribunal for Tenant Disputes

The Maryland District Court handles most tenant-landlord matters, including eviction hearings, warranty of habitability claims, and rental disputes.

Official Forms for LIHTC and Tenant Issues

• Form: Complaint for Summary Ejectment (DC-CV-082)
  Use when your landlord seeks eviction. You may respond if you receive this form. Access the official version and instructions at the Maryland Courts website.
  Example: If you’re threatened with eviction from an LIHTC unit, you may appear in court to explain your situation or seek legal help.
• Form: Tenant’s Complaint against Landlord – Failure to Repair (DC-CV-083)
  If your landlord does not fix urgent issues, use this form to start a rent escrow case. Details and form: Tenant’s Complaint against Landlord.
  Example: File this form at your local District Court if you report maintenance issues that go unresolved.
• Form: Rental Application
  Each property may have its own application, but LIHTC apartments may ask for income, family size, and other details. Always use the official application the property provides.

For legal disputes, review the steps below or visit the District Court’s forms page.

Annual Certification and Reporting for Tenants

Staying eligible for LIHTC apartments requires completing annual income certification. Each year, tenants must:

• Submit updated pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters
• Complete any property-required paperwork (ask for deadlines!)
• Notify management of household changes

FAQ: Renting in Maryland LIHTC Properties

1. What documents are needed for a LIHTC application?
   Typically, proof of income (pay stubs, benefits), government ID, and household size details are required.
2. Can my rent go up in an LIHTC property?
   Rent may adjust annually, but it will not exceed set income-based limits established under federal LIHTC rules.
3. What should I do if my landlord will not make repairs?
   First, report the issue in writing. If there’s no response, you can file the Tenant’s Complaint against Landlord form (DC-CV-083) at District Court.
4. Where can I check if a property is LIHTC?
   Use the official Maryland Housing Search database and ask the property manager for their LIHTC status.
5. Can I be evicted from an LIHTC property for no reason?
   No. All Maryland tenants—including in LIHTC units—have protections under state law. Eviction must follow due process as outlined in Maryland’s eviction procedures.

Conclusion: What Maryland Renters Should Know

• LIHTC properties are a key source of affordable rentals—eligibility is based on income and household size.
• You have strong tenant rights and may use official state forms to address repairs or defend against eviction.
• Certified annual recertification is important—stay in contact with your property manager for deadlines and document needs.

Learn these basics to confidently navigate Maryland's LIHTC rental process and protect your housing rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Dept. of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) - Rental Housing Programs
• Maryland Courts Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Resource Center
• Maryland Housing Search – Find LIHTC Rentals
• Maryland Legal Aid – Tenant Support

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1. See the Maryland Code, Real Property - Title 8, Landlord and Tenant for legal rights and rental processes.

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