Several new Maryland laws affecting renters, prospective tenants and housing providers take effect today.  The laws address criminal history screening, protections for renters who use income-based housing subsidies, rental payment reporting and air-conditioning requirements for certain apartment buildings.  The Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act establishes new requirements for how certain housing providers can consider an applicant’s criminal history, and applies to housing providers that own or manage five or more residential units in Maryland, with some exceptions.  Under the law applicants criminal history cannot directly keep them from being approved for housing, and housing providers cannot require prospective tenants to undergo drug or alcohol testing.  Violations can result in penalties of up to $500 per violation.  The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is developing voluntary model forms to help housing providers follow the new requirements. 

Washington College has officially announced the Washington College Tuition Commitment, a new financial aid initiative that guarantees 100% full tuition coverage for eligible Maryland residents from families with a total household income of $75,000 or less.  The program is designed to make a private liberal arts education accessible and affordable, challenging the assumption that private colleges are financially out of reach.  Full tuition will be entirely covered through a combination of scholarships and financial aid for each academic year the student is enrolled.  The program is specifically for Maryland residents who meet household income requirements.  To maintain coverage, students must meet application requirements and maintain certain academic standards, including a minimum 2.5 GPA.  Prospective students and families can find detailed application instructions and further information directly on the Washington College Financial Aid Page.