Cal. Civ. Code § 20-702
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't Art. Title 20 — Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination
Operative Text
(a) It is the policy of the State: (1) to provide for fair housing throughout the State to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, source of income, or military status; and (2) to that end, to prohibit discriminatory practices with respect to residential housing by any person, in order to protect and ensure the peace, health, safety, prosperity, and general welfare of all. (b) This subtitle: (1) is an exercise of the police power of the State for the protection of the people of the State; and (2) shall be administered and enforced by the Commission and, as provided in this title, enforced by the appropriate State court.
Section 20-702 of Maryland's State Government Code establishes the state's foundational commitment to fair housing. It declares that all people in Maryland are entitled to equal access to residential housing, free from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, religion, sex, disability, source of income, or military status, among others. The provision frames anti-discrimination enforcement as an exercise of the state's authority to protect public health, safety, and welfare, with oversight shared between the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the state courts.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 20-702, Maryland property owners and managers operate within a legal framework that prohibits differential treatment of applicants or residents based on a broad set of protected characteristics, including source of income and military status alongside more commonly known categories. Compliant operators typically apply consistent screening criteria, use uniform lease terms, and document their decision-making processes to demonstrate that housing decisions are made on neutral, non-discriminatory grounds. Enforcement authority under this section rests with the Commission on Civil Rights and the state court system, both of which can act on complaints.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 20-702 reflects Maryland's stated policy that every resident has the right to access housing free from discrimination on grounds including race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, and several other characteristics. Tenants who believe they have experienced discriminatory treatment in a housing context may have the option of filing a complaint with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, raising the violation in state court, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Because this provision is the policy foundation for the broader fair housing subtitle, it informs how related, more specific provisions in §§ 20-701 to 20-1204 are interpreted and applied.
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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