§ 17–608
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. § 17-608 (2026)
Title 17. Real Estate Brokers
Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts; Penalties
§ 17–608LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this subsection, “handicap” and “familial status” each have the meanings indicated in the federal Fair Housing Act.
(2)
Whether or not acting for monetary gain, a person may not knowingly induce or attempt to induce another person to sell or rent a dwelling or otherwise transfer real estate or knowingly discourage or attempt to discourage another person from buying real estate by:
(i)
making representations about the entry or prospective entry into a neighborhood of individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin;
(ii)
making representations about the existing or potential proximity of real property owned or used by individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin; or
(iii)
representing that the existing or potential proximity of real property owned or used by individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin will or may result in:
(1)
the lowering of property values;
(2)
a change in the racial, religious, or ethnic character of the block, neighborhood, or area;
(3)
an increase in criminal or antisocial behavior in the area; or
(4)
a decline in the quality of schools serving the area.
(b)
A person may not provide financial assistance by loan, gift, or otherwise to another person if the person has actual knowledge that the financial assistance will be used in a transaction that results from a violation of subsection (a) of this section.