# Business Occupations and Professions (GBO)

## Title 17. Real Estate Brokers

### Subtitle 6. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 17-608

(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.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)