MD HB1456

Commercial entities, including social media platforms, are prohibited from publishing or advertising residential property for lease or sale unless they verify the person offering the property is the legal owner or the owner's agent.

Verification records must be maintained for at least 3 years.

Commercial entities that publish listings in violation of the verification requirement must promptly remove the publication or advertisement.

Violations constitute unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, subject to existing enforcement and penalty provisions.

Effective date: October 1, 2026.