Cal. Civ. Code § 20-701
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't Art. Title 20 — Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination
Operative Text
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) (1) “Disability” means: (i) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities; (ii) a record of having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities; or (iii) being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of an individual’s major life activities. (2) “Disability” does not include the current illegal use of or addiction to: (i) a controlled dangerous substance, as defined in § 5–101 of the Criminal Law Article; or (ii) a controlled substance, as defined in 21 U.S.C. § 802. (c) “Discriminatory housing practice” means an act that is prohibited under § 20–705, § 20–706, § 20–707, or § 20–708 of this subtitle. (d) “Dwelling” means: (1) any building, structure, or portion of a building or structure that is occupied, or designed or intended for occupancy, as a residence by one or more families; and (2) any vacant land that is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location on the land of any building, structure, or portion of a building or structure described in item (1) of this subsection. (e) (1) “Familial status” means the status of one or more minors who are domiciled with: (i) a parent or other person having legal custody of the minor; or (ii) the designee of a parent or other person having legal custody of the minor with the written permission of the parent or other person. (2) “Familial status” includes the status of being: (i) a pregnant woman; or (ii) an individual who is in the process of securing legal custody of a minor. (f) “Family” includes a single individual. (g) “In the business of selling or renting dwellings” means: (1) within the preceding 12 months, participating as a principal in three or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any dwelling or any interest in a dwelling; (2) within the preceding 12 months, participating as an agent, other than in the sale of the individual’s own personal residence, in providing sales or rental facilities or services in two or more transactions involving the sale or rental of any dwelling or any interest in a dwelling; or (3) being the owner of any dwelling occupied, or designed or intended for occupancy, by five or more families. (h) “Marital status” means the state of being single, married, separated, divorced, or widowed. (i) “Rent” includes to lease, sublease, let, or otherwise grant for a consideration the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant. (j) (1) “Source of income” means any lawful source of money paid directly or indirectly to or on behalf of a renter or buyer of housing. (2) “Source of income” includes income from: (i) a lawful profession, occupation, or job; (ii) any government or private assistance, grant, loan, or rental assistance program, including low–income housing assistance certificates and vouchers issued under the United States Housing Act of 1937; (iii) a gift, an inheritance, a pension, an annuity, alimony, child support, or any other consideration or benefit; or (iv) the sale or pledge of property or an interest in property.
Maryland's fair housing definitions statute, Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-701 to 20-1204, establishes the precise meanings of key terms—such as "disability," "familial status," "source of income," and "dwelling"—that govern the rest of the state's fair housing subtitle. These definitions determine who and what is protected under Maryland's anti-discrimination housing rules, including protections for people with physical or mental impairments, families with children, pregnant individuals, and those using lawful income sources like housing vouchers. Notably, the definitions exclude current illegal drug use from the definition of disability, and they broadly define "source of income" to encompass government assistance programs and other lawful forms of payment.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-701 to 20-1204 generally ensure their tenant screening and rental policies align with the statute's defined terms, particularly the broad definitions of "source of income" and "familial status." A compliant operator typically accepts housing vouchers and other lawful forms of payment without treating them differently from traditional employment income, and avoids policies that would screen out applicants based on family composition or disability status. Operators commonly review their written policies and advertising language to confirm they do not inadvertently exclude protected classes as defined in this subtitle.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-701 to 20-1204, renters in Maryland are protected against housing discrimination based on characteristics including disability, familial status, marital status, and source of income—meaning a landlord generally cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they use a housing voucher or receive government assistance. Tenants who believe a landlord's conduct falls within the definition of a "discriminatory housing practice" as established by this subtitle may have grounds to raise that violation as a defense in eviction proceedings or to file a complaint with a relevant state or local civil rights agency. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office can help individuals understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
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 12, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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