Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced multiple actions and settlements aimed at enforcing state and federal fair housing laws. The efforts focus on eliminating housing discrimination, particularly against tenants with housing vouchers or criminal records.
The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General’s Office reached three settlements addressing housing discrimination:
Maryland Management Company Settlement
An investigation found Maryland Management Company, Inc. declined to cooperate with emergency rental assistance programs, violating fair housing laws. As part of the settlement, the company will:
- Pay $90,000 into a restitution fund for impacted tenants
- Pay a $90,000 civil penalty
- Implement new policies to accept all legal income sources
- Provide fair housing training to staff
Habitat America Settlement
The Civil Rights Division and the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights investigated Habitat America, LLC and The Commons of Avalon TH, LLLP for imposing higher rent increases on tenants using housing vouchers. The settlement requires the companies to:
- Reimburse affected households
- Pay up to $2,500 per household in additional damages
- Pay $105,000 in civil penalties
- Update their policies and train staff
- Submit regular rental practice reports
American Management Settlement
A settlement was reached with American Management II, LLC over rental applications that excluded people with felony convictions. The policy disproportionately impacted communities of color. Under the agreement, the company will:
- Adopt individualized tenant screening policies
- Waive application fees for applicants with felony convictions for two years
- Pay $25,000 in civil penalties
Amicus Brief in Hare v. David S. Brown Enterprises
The Civil Rights Division also filed a brief in the Maryland Supreme Court challenging the legality of minimum income requirements that disproportionately exclude voucher holders. The policy in question excludes nearly 80% of voucher users, despite the government covering a portion of the rent.
More than 50,000 Maryland households use federal rental vouchers, and thousands more use state-funded vouchers. Most recipients are seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.
The Civil Rights Division investigates civil rights violations and enforces protections related to housing, employment, and public services. Reports can be submitted by calling 410-576-6300 or 888-743-0023, or by completing the Civil Rights Complaint Form online.
