In one paragraph
Maryland's HB 434 (2026, first reader text) would have added Real Property section 8-222 barring a landlord from using, relying on, or causing another to use an algorithmic device that uses, incorporates or was trained with nonpublic competitor data to set rent (including renewal changes), lease renewal terms, occupancy levels or other lease terms. A violation would be an unfair, abusive or deceptive trade practice. It had a House Economic Matters hearing set for February 19, 2026 and died when the 2026 session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and did not become law. It would have barred landlords from using rent-setting algorithms built on nonpublic competitor data.
Key provisions
- Algorithmic device: a device using algorithms to calculate data, including rent data, to advise a landlord on rent or recommend renewal terms, ideal occupancy levels or other lease terms
- Nonpublic competitor data: information not widely available to the public, derived from or provided by a competitor in the same or a related market, including actual rents, occupancy rates and lease dates
- Excluded: trade association reports published no more than monthly that aggregate and anonymize renter data, tools for affordable housing rent or income limits, and sharing among commonly owned entities
- A violation is an unfair, abusive or deceptive trade practice under Title 13 (added to the list in section 13-301(14)), with that title's enforcement and penalty provisions; the bill sets no separate penalty amounts
- Applies only prospectively and does not affect rent calculations under rental agreements executed before the effective date; would have taken effect October 1, 2026
Latest legislative action
Jan 28, 2026. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.; died when the Maryland General Assembly's 2026 session ended April 13, 2026
Sponsors (showing 5 of 20)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Atterbeary | Primary |
| Cardin | Primary |
| Carr | Primary |
| Charles | Primary |
| Davis | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error