Landlords and Prospective Tenants - Residential Leases - Criminal History Review (Maryland Fair Chance in Housing Act)
By changing the regulations around tenant screening, SB635 is poised to have a significant impact on state laws concerning housing and tenant rights. The proposed legislation would weaken the ability of landlords to reject tenants based solely on outdated criminal records. Additionally, landlords would be prohibited from requiring prospective tenants to disclose their criminal history during the application process, except for those required to register as sex offenders. This aims to empower individuals with criminal backgrounds to access housing more easily, thereby supporting their reintegration into society.
Senate Bill 635, also known as the Maryland Fair Chance in Housing Act, aims to reform the process of tenant screening with a focus on how criminal history is considered by landlords. The bill proposes to limit the review of a prospective tenant's criminal history to a period of only three years, as opposed to the previously considered seven years. This is intended to give individuals a fair chance at obtaining housing without being unduly penalized for past offenses that are no longer reflective of their current character or situation.
There may be contention around the bill, specifically with landlords' concerns regarding the potential risks of leasing to individuals with a criminal history, as well as differing viewpoints on safety and community welfare. Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes fair housing practices and reduces discrimination against individuals with criminal histories, while opponents may raise concerns about the implications for property rights and tenant safety. The necessity for landlords to provide clear reasons for lease denials is also a notable aspect of this bill, which advocates for transparency in the tenant application process.