On August 5, 2024, the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) issued a Fair Housing Memorandum that applies to the full spectrum of housing activities, including, but not limited to, outreach and marketing, qualification and selection of residents, and occupancy.
The Department has modified their requirements for Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans and Tenant Selection Plans to comply with the HUD Guidance. Owners and/or managers of properties that have received LIHTC awards, program funds, or other subsidies from the Department are now required to submit a copy of their tenant selection plan or policy by January 1, 2025, to evidence compliance with the policies.
The Memorandum includes revised and updated policies regarding:
- Credit History Screening
- Eviction History Screening
- Criminal Record Screening
- Admission Criteria
DHCD will review the tenant selection plan or policy to ensure it complies with DHCD requirements and will reject any plan that isn’t in conformance.
