2023 Maryland Statutes
Real Property
Title 8 - Landlord and Tenant
Subtitle 5A - Rental Housing -- Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Section 8-5A-01 - Definitions
(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Abuse” has the meaning stated in § 4–501(b) of the Family Law Article.
(c) “Legal occupant” means an occupant who resides on the premises with the actual knowledge and permission of the landlord.
(d) “Offender” means a person who commits an act of abuse.
(e) “Peace order” means an enforceable final peace order.
(f) “Protective order” means an enforceable final protective order.
(g) “Qualified third party” means:
(1) A physician who is authorized to practice medicine under the Health Occupations Article;
(2) A psychologist who is authorized to practice psychology under the Health Occupations Article;
(3) A social worker or caseworker of any public or private health or social services agency or provider; or
(4) An advocate from a domestic violence or sexual assault prevention or assistance program.
(h) “Report by a qualified third party” means a report based on information received by a qualified third party while acting in a professional capacity that:
(1) Indicates that the tenant or a legal occupant is seeking assistance as a result of an act of abuse;
(2) Includes the following elements:
(i) The name of the tenant or legal occupant;
(ii) A statement that the tenant or legal occupant is a victim of abuse;
(iii) The date, time, location, and a brief description of the incident;
(iv) The name and physical description of the alleged offender, if known;
(v) The name and address of the employer of the qualified third party;
(vi) The licensing entity and license number of the qualified third party, if the qualified third party is required to be licensed; and
(vii) The signature of the qualified third party, under seal of a notary public; and
(3) Is signed and acknowledged by the tenant or legal occupant under penalty of perjury.