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Contact: Media@vera.org

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (May 26, 2026) — Today, the Vera Institute of Justice celebrates Governor Wes Moore signing into law the Fair Chance Housing Act. 

The Fair Chance Housing Act limits the use of criminal background checks in rental application processes, providing Marylanders with conviction histories a more equitable chance to secure housing.

“Housing is the foundation on which we build our lives, and it is the current priority of my administration,” said Governor Wes Moore. “I am proud to sign the Fair Chance Housing Act since judging a person solely on their conviction history is not an accurate or effective tool for gauging what kind of renter they would be. By reducing homelessness, we will foster safer neighborhoods and communities for all.”

 "The Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act builds upon nationwide momentum for commonsense policies that foster safer communities and reduce recidivism,” said Insha Rahman, president and director of the Vera Institute of Justice and Vera Action. “Housing is foundational to successful reentry and public safety. However, housing providers consistently deny people housing based on their conviction histories. These incidents may be years, even decades, old, and have no bearing on whether a person will be a good tenant. We applaud Maryland legislators and the governor for recognizing that a person should not face a lifetime of discrimination for something so essential as a place to live."

 “The Fair Chance Housing Act reflects Maryland’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and the belief that people deserve a genuine opportunity to rebuild their lives. Stable housing is essential to strong families, safer communities, financial security, and successful reentry,” said Senator Shaneka Henson, sponsor of the Fair Chance Housing Act. “This legislation establishes clear standards and thoughtful protections while affirming the dignity, value, and potential of individuals seeking a second chance.”

“For more than one million Maryland residents with criminal justice system involvement, finding a home can be very difficult,” said Jake Day, secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. “Formerly incarcerated people with housing are more likely to find and keep employment, rebuild supportive networks, and avoid additional convictions, meaning that this law will stabilize our communities and make Maryland safer.” 

"In recent years, BUILD leaders have listened to more than a thousand people with a criminal record,” said Reverend Brent Brown, a clergy leader with Baltimoreans United In Leadership Development (BUILD). “We asked them what their biggest barriers were to getting back on their feet. Again and again, the answer came back: housing. The Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act strikes a critical blow against one of the biggest obstacles to successful reentry."

About the Fair Chance Housing Act: 

This new law sets clear guidelines for all landlords weighing an applicant's record during the rental screening process in Maryland. Landlords must assess rental applicants based on their income, references, and credit. Background checks will be postponed until a conditional offer of housing is made, and will be limited to specific types of convictions within established timeframes. Additionally, the legislation allows applicants to undergo an individualized review of their conviction histories and present evidence of rehabilitation before any denial by the housing provider. The Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act was supported by local and national organizations including the Vera Institute of Justice, Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD), Public Justice Center, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Life After Release, Out for Justice, and Maryland Legal Aid. 

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About the Vera Institute of Justice: The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and policy experts working to transform the criminal justice and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. For more information, visit vera.org.