Maryland Tenant Protections Law Takes Effect October 1

Starting October 1, 2025, Maryland and Nevada will implement new tenant protection laws aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in rental agreements and eviction processes. Maryland's Tenant Possessions Recovery Act requires landlords to notify tenants in writing with advance notice before eviction, provide means for tenants to reclaim possessions, and prohibits immediate disposal of belongings; it also regulates unit access and pet policies to protect tenants from losing everything abruptly. Meanwhile, Nevada's Assembly Bill 121 mandates landlords disclose the total rent upfront including hidden fees, prohibits junk fees, requires fee-free rent payment options, and bans application fees for minors' credit or background checks, marking a significant tenant protection milestone despite prior vetoes from the Republican governor. Additionally, Maryland is introducing the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act on the same date, imposing stricter rules on data processing, especially concerning minors, to increase consumer privacy protections beyond other states. These laws reflect growing efforts at both state and federal levels to enhance tenant rights and privacy safeguards amidst ongoing concerns about rental affordability, eviction risks, and data security.