Established under the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act, signed into law in 2024 by Governor Wes Moore, the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs provides residential tenants and landlords in Maryland with important information and services related to rental housing across the state.
The Office serves as a primary contact point for Maryland tenants who seek resources related to their rights and protections or need credit or financial counseling. The Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs also publishes annually the Maryland Tenants’ Bill of Rights, a summary of tenant rights and protections under existing law which landlords must attach to residential leases, and administers and operates the tenants’ right of first offer and
right of first refusal portal, as established by the Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act.
What We Do
Landlords and Housing Industry Professionals
For landlords, property managers, realtors, and other housing industry professionals, we can:
- Provide education on the Tenant Bill of Rights and Right of First Refusal requirements you must follow under state law
- Provide guidance to property owners on submitting required documentation when they sell a rental property subject to Right of First Refusal law
Tenants
For tenants, we can help you:
- Understand and exercise your rights if you are having a dispute with your landlord or lease that cannot be resolved directly
- Help you report discrimination by your landlord or another violation of federal, state, or local renter laws to the right enforcement agency
- Connect to a legal services agency that can provide legal advice or representation for an eviction case, voucher or subsidy termination, rent escrow case, or other dispute with your landlord or rental unit
- Connect to DHCD and HUD-approved housing counseling programs to improve your credit, start the process of becoming a homeowner, or support you in submitting a purchase offer to buy your rental unit under Right of First Refusal
- Connect to your local housing code enforcement office to report housing quality issues with your unit
Important Note
The Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs cannot:
- Provide legal advice or representation to tenants or landlords
- Mediate disputes between tenants and landlords
- Provide direct housing assistance
If you are a tenant and need legal help, we can refer you to a legal services provider. A full list of legal services providers can be found on the renter resources page linked below.
