The ENT Committee Session held on January 14, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding housing policies in Maryland, particularly the implications of recent legislative changes regarding security deposits.

The meeting began with a review of the elimination of the two-month security deposit requirement, which had previously been a tool for housing providers to assess applicants with income and credit challenges. A representative clarified that while housing providers can still collect a one-month security deposit, the removal of the two-month option has limited their ability to ensure that applicants with financial concerns can secure housing.

Prior to the legislative change, the two-month deposit could be amortized over a year, providing a safety net for landlords while allowing tenants to manage their upfront costs. The current situation has raised concerns among committee members about the potential increase in housing instability, as the one-month deposit may not be sufficient for applicants with poor credit histories.

The discussion highlighted the need for a balanced approach to housing security that protects both tenants and landlords. Committee members expressed a desire to explore alternative solutions that could help mitigate the challenges faced by housing providers while ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to housing.

The session concluded with a commitment to further investigate the impacts of the legislative changes and to consider potential policy adjustments that could better support both tenants and housing providers in Maryland.