MD HB543

Landlords of single-family dwellings cannot prohibit tenants from operating a registered family child care home (serving up to 8 children) on leased premises, though exemptions apply to owner-occupied dwellings and restrictions imposed by HOAs, condominiums, or cooperatives

Landlords may charge up to 2 months' rent as a security deposit when a tenant operates or plans to operate a family child care home, compared to the standard 1 month limit

Tenants must provide at least 60 days written notice before operating a family child care home and supply the landlord with their state registration and a certificate of insurance naming the landlord as an additional insured

Landlords may require tenants to purchase liability insurance with coverage up to $1,000,000 and are immune from civil liability for acts or omissions related to the tenant's child care operation

Takes effect October 1, 2026 and applies only to leases entered into after that date