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housing justice
stable homes. strong communities.
Ensuring that individuals and families are housed makes our communities safer and stronger.
Renters United Maryland’s four legislative priorities for the 2026 legislative session will help provide more stable homes and strong communities for all Marylanders.
Local Enabling Legislation for Good Cause Eviction
All Marylanders deserve the chance to put down roots in our communities, but for too long large corporate landlords have rigged the rules to their benefit – filing eviction cases against more than 5,000 Maryland families each year without providing a reason.
This enabling legislation sponsored by Del. Wilkins and Sen. Muse will allow local jurisdictions to pass Good Cause Eviction laws that prevent people from being evicted unless the landlord provides a legitimate reason. It is time to pass this legislation without amendments that would undermine existing renter protections.
Fully Fund Community Schools Rental Assistance Program
In 2024, RUM was instrumental in passing legislation that created an eviction prevention funds program for families who have children in community schools.
However, the program is critically underfunded, with $5 million allocated in the most recent budget. The program just launched and the need is overwhelming. Kids can’t learn if they slept in a homeless shelter the previous night or have to constantly transfer schools. Maryland should allocate at least $25 million to this program to help 9,375 residents avoid eviction.
Ensure Applications for Rental Housing are Treated Fairly
One of the biggest barriers renters face is seeking fair housing the unfair rejection of their applications because of credit scores, rental history, or criminal history. Discriminatory tenant screening practices create artificial barriers that do not help determine whether a person will pay the rent. By restricting what information a landlord can use when verifying an applicant and ensuring that the information is correct, more Marylanders will be able to find a stable home.
We will be supporting: the Fair Chance in Housing Act , the Discrimination Against Voucher Holders Using Credit/Income Tests Act, and the Tenant Screening Transparency Act.
Oppose “Evict First, Ask Questions Later” Bills
Fueled by a false narrative – manufactured by Sinclair- aligned media and agenda-driven think tanks – about squatters in Maryland, we are expecting the introduction of bills that would deprive tenants of a fair hearing before an eviction. Our coalition opposed this legislation last year and we will oppose it again because every family deserves due process and a chance to tell their side of the story before any eviction.
In the news
Maryland Housing Justice Summit
Sunday, August 10, 2025 – 12:30 – 5:00 PMZion Lutheran Church, 400 E. Lexington Street, Baltimore, M…
Op-ed: Making the case for good cause eviction in Maryland
Across Maryland, Connecticut, and Minnesota, housing advocates are making a good case for Good Cause…
Op-ed: Good Cause Eviction: A Critical Fix for Maryland’s Housing Crisis
Maryland lawmakers face a simple decision: will they protect families like Sandra’s, or will they co…
Op-ed: ‘Good cause’ evictions bill is right cause for health
A new study published last month by the American Medical Association showed that the stress of an ev…
New report: The Good Case for Good Cause
Research on Good Cause Eviction laws
est. 2017
RENTERS UNITED MARYLAND
Renters United Maryland is a coalition of advocates for renters and for safe, affordable rental housing. Our member organizations include tenant organizers, legal services providers, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups working together to make stable housing a reality through legislative advocacy. We are leading the charge against housing insecurity.