# Real Property (GRP)

## Title 8. Landlord and Tenant

### Subtitle 5A. Rental Housing -- Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

#### Section 8-5A-01

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Abuse" has the meaning stated in Sec. 4-501(b) of the Family Law Article.

(c) "Legal occupant" means an occupant who resides on the premises with the actual knowledge and permission of the landlord.

(d) "Offender" means a person who commits an act of abuse.

(e) "Peace order" means an enforceable final peace order.

(f) "Protective order" means an enforceable final protective order.

(g) "Qualified third party" means:

  (1) A physician who is authorized to practice medicine under the Health Occupations Article;

  (2) A psychologist who is authorized to practice psychology under the Health Occupations Article;

  (3) A social worker or caseworker of any public or private health or social services agency or provider; or

  (4) An advocate from a domestic violence or sexual assault prevention or assistance program.

(h) "Report by a qualified third party" means a report based on information received by a qualified third party while acting in a professional capacity that:

  (1) Indicates that the tenant or a legal occupant is seeking assistance as a result of an act of abuse;

  (2) Includes the following elements:

    (i) The name of the tenant or legal occupant;

    (ii) A statement that the tenant or legal occupant is a victim of abuse;

    (iii) The date, time, location, and a brief description of the incident;

    (iv) The name and physical description of the alleged offender, if known;

    (v) The name and address of the employer of the qualified third party;

    (vi) The licensing entity and license number of the qualified third party, if the qualified third party is required to be licensed; and

    (vii) The signature of the qualified third party, under seal of a notary public; and

  (3) Is signed and acknowledged by the tenant or legal occupant under penalty of perjury.

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Md. Code Ann., Real Prop. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)