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With HB 315 now officially law, Maryland landlords must prepare for changes to resident rent reporting requirements and how they screen applicants paying with a housing subsidy. Here's the quick overview, plus resources for learning more.

Quick Facts

• Bill: Maryland HB 315 (2026 Regular Session), Chapter 772
• Status: Signed into law May 26th, 2026
• Effective Date: October 1st, 2026
• Applies to: Landlords with 6+ Multifamily Rental Units (rent reporting)

What is Maryland HB 315

Now that HB 315 is law, Maryland landlords have two new compliance items to fold into their leasing process. First, if a prospective tenant pays rent with an income-based housing subsidy — like a Housing Choice Voucher — you can't screen them out based on income or credit alone. Second, if you own six or more rental units in the state, you now have to offer tenants positive rent reporting to a credit bureau.

What Are Maryland HB 315's Rent Reporting Requirements?

If you own six or more residential rental units in Maryland, you will need to include the option for tenants to have their positive rent payment history reported. Specifically, you'll need to:

• Offer rent reporting in writing at lease signing, and at least once a year after that
• Disclose that reporting is optional, name the consumer reporting agency or agencies involved, and explain how to opt in or out
• Cap any related fee at the lesser of your actual cost or $10/month — and never count it as rent

Effective Date: 

• New Leases: Extend the offer by October 1, 2026
  
• Existing Leases: Extend the offer by January 1, 2027

How Rentistry Helps You Comply With Maryland HB 315: 

Rent reporting mandates like Maryland's are showing up in more states every year — California's Civ. Code § 1954.07 was one of the first. Operators adopting rent reporting solutions early are staying prepared for changing regulations, while also incentivizing on-time rent payment and increasing trust with residents. Foxen’s rent reporting solution, Rentistry, reports on-time payments to all three major credit bureaus, complies with the disclosures and fee logistics required by HB 315, and works seamlessly with all major property management systems.

Read the official bill language, amendments, and legislative history. View HB 315 on the Maryland General Assembly Site →

Maryland HB 315: Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is Maryland HB 315?

A 2026 law that limits credit- and income-based screening of housing subsidy applicants and requires certain landlords to offer positive rent reporting.

When does it take effect?

October 1, 2026, with a January 1, 2027 deadline to extend the rent reporting offer to existing leases.

Who has to offer rent reporting?

Landlords who own six or more residential rental units in Maryland.

Can landlords charge for rent reporting?

Yes, capped at the lesser of actual cost or $10/month, and it can't be counted as rent.