The application sequence changes
Maryland's Fair Chance Housing Act took effect October 1 with new rules on criminal-history screening. The housing department says it covers providers owning or managing five or more residential units, excluding owner-occupied units and providers that do not run criminal background checks.
Applicants must disclose certain specified convictions if asked. Otherwise, the department says providers generally need a conditional housing offer before checking criminal history. That sequence is different from a complete ban on considering any conviction.
A withdrawal needs an explanation
If a provider withdraws a conditional offer based on criminal history, it must give a reason and allow the applicant to request reassessment. Additional documents and specified factors must be considered. The law also prohibits blanket advertisements excluding people with criminal histories and applicant drug or alcohol testing.
The department lists penalties up to $500 per violation, not an automatic applicant payment or guaranteed lease. Keep the offer, screening request and withdrawal explanation if seeking review. The enacted law provides detailed scope and permitted considerations; the current official summary explains the process. A past record should not be reduced to an unlimited blanket exclusion, but the specific history and exceptions still matter.