Maryland HB315: What residents should know

Maryland just passed a law about rent reporting.
Here's what it means for you.

If you rent in Maryland, there's a new law worth knowing about. It's called HB 315, and starting this fall, it changes how you can turn your rent payments into something that works for you: your credit.\

Here's the breakdown, no legal jargon required.

What it is

HB 315 is a Maryland law that takes effect October 1, 2026. It does two things:

1. It protects renters who pay with a housing subsidy, like a Housing Choice Voucher, from being turned away based on income, credit score (or lack thereof), or past credit history.
2. It requires properties with six or more rental units in Maryland to offer tenants the option to report their positive on-time rent payments to a credit bureau.

That second part is the one that matters most for your day-to-day: positive rent reporting.

If your property is covered, your property manager now has to offer you the choice, in writing, at lease signing and at least once a year after that. If you're already in a lease, that offer has to reach you by January 1, 2027.

What it means for you

A few things to know before you opt in:

• It's always your choice. No one can require you to participate.
• Your on-time payments are what get reported. The law is built around positive payment history, not penalties for being late.
• There's a cap on fees. If your property manager charges for the service, it can't be more than $10 a month or their actual cost, whichever is lower. That fee is never counted as rent, and it's never reported to a credit bureau on its own.
• Changing your mind is built in. You can opt out in writing at any time. If you do, there's a six-month wait before you can re-enroll.
• The fine print will keep evolving. Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development still has to issue the standard offer form and additional guidance, so some details of how properties present the offer may shift in the coming months.

None of this is legal advice, just a plain-English summary. If you want the source material, Maryland's official bill text is the final word.

How you can benefit

Rent is probably the biggest payment you make every month, and until now, it hasn't done much for your credit file. Positive rent reporting changes that.

When you opt in, your on-time payments can be reported to one or more of the major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Over time, that history becomes part of your credit profile, right alongside things like credit card and loan payments.

A couple of honest notes here: reporting isn't a guarantee your score will jump, and results vary from person to person. But for renters who've been paying on time every month with nothing to show for it on their credit report, it's a straightforward way to put that consistency to work.

If you're a Homebody resident, this is exactly what our Rent Reporting feature is built for. It's already set up to turn your on-time payments into credit-building history, no extra paperwork on your end.

Quick FAQ

Do I have to sign up for rent reporting? No. It's optional, and you can opt out at any time.

Does my property manager have to offer this? Only if they own six or more rental units in Maryland. Ask your property team if you're not sure.

Will late payments hurt my credit through this program? The law centers on reporting positive, on-time payment history. Check with your specific reporting provider for how they handle missed payments.

What if I already signed my lease before October 1? You should still get the offer, just later; property managers have until January 1, 2027, to extend it to existing leases.

Where can I read the actual law? You can find the full text of HB 315 on the Maryland General Assembly's website.

‍

This post is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice. If you have questions about your specific lease or credit situation, talk to your property team or a qualified professional.

‍