2019 Maryland Code
Real Property
Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant
Subtitle 5A - Rental Housing -- Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
§ 8-5A-05. Action for possession of property

    (a)    This section applies to an action for possession of property under § 8–402.1 of this title against a tenant or legal occupant who is a victim of domestic violence or a victim of sexual assault in which the basis for the alleged breach is an act or acts of domestic violence or sexual assault.

    (b)    (1)    A tenant is deemed to have raised a rebuttable presumption that the alleged breach of the lease does not warrant an eviction if the tenant provides to the court:

            (i)    A copy of a protective order issued for the benefit of the tenant or legal occupant under § 4–506 of the Family Law Article; or

            (ii)    A copy of a peace order issued for the benefit of the tenant or legal occupant for which the underlying act was sexual assault under § 3–1505 of the Courts Article.

        (2)    If domestic violence or sexual assault is raised as a defense in an action for possession of property under § 8–402.1 of this title, the court, in its discretion, may enter a judgment in favor of a tenant who does not provide the evidence described in paragraph (1) of this subsection.