Cal. Civ. Code § 20-1202
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't Art. Title 20 — Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination
Operative Text
(a) This section applies only in Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County. (b) In accordance with this section, a person that is subjected to a discriminatory act prohibited by the county code may bring and maintain a civil action against the person that committed the alleged discriminatory act for damages, injunctive relief, or other civil relief. (c) (1) An action under subsection (b) of this section shall be commenced in the circuit court for the county in which the alleged discriminatory act occurred within 2 years after the occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act. (2) (i) Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action under subsection (b) of this section alleging discrimination in employment or public accommodations may not be commenced sooner than 45 days after the aggrieved person files a complaint with the county unit responsible for handling violations of the county discrimination laws. (ii) Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action under subsection (b) of this section alleging discrimination in real estate may be commenced at any time. (d) In a civil action under this section, the court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney’s fees, expert witness fees, and costs.
Section 20-1202 of the Maryland State Government Code applies only to Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County. Under this provision, someone who has experienced a discriminatory act prohibited by the applicable county code may file a civil lawsuit in circuit court seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief, or other civil remedies. The lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the alleged discriminatory act, though claims involving employment or public accommodations require a 45-day waiting period after filing a county-level complaint, while real estate discrimination claims may be filed in court at any time. A court may also award the winning party reasonable attorney's fees, expert witness fees, and litigation costs.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Howard County, Montgomery County, or Prince George's County should be aware that under § 20-1202, individuals who believe they have experienced housing-related discrimination may bring a civil action directly in circuit court without any mandatory waiting period. Compliant operators generally maintain clear, documented non-discrimination policies and practices that align with both state and county anti-discrimination codes. Because prevailing plaintiffs may be awarded attorney's fees and costs under this provision, operators typically keep thorough records of all rental decisions and communications.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 20-1202, tenants and housing applicants in Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County who believe they have experienced real estate discrimination may file a civil lawsuit in the circuit court of the county where the alleged act occurred, and may do so at any time within the two-year filing window without first waiting for a county complaint process to conclude. If the discrimination involves employment or public accommodations rather than real estate, a complaint with the relevant county unit must be filed at least 45 days before a civil action can begin. Tenants may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the range of remedies available, including damages, injunctive relief, and potential recovery of attorney's fees under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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