Section 17-608 - "Blockbusting". - Maryland Statutes

§ 17-608. "Blockbusting".
 

(a)  In general.-  

(1) In this subsection, "handicap" and "familial status" each have the meanings indicated in the federal Fair Housing Act. 

(2) Whether or not acting for monetary gain, a person may not knowingly induce or attempt to induce another person to sell or rent a dwelling or otherwise transfer real estate or knowingly discourage or attempt to discourage another person from buying real estate by: 

(i) making representations about the entry or prospective entry into a neighborhood of individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin; 

(ii) making representations about the existing or potential proximity of real property owned or used by individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin; or 

(iii) representing that the existing or potential proximity of real property owned or used by individuals of a particular race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin will or may result in: 

1. the lowering of property values; 

2. a change in the racial, religious, or ethnic character of the block, neighborhood, or area; 

3. an increase in criminal or antisocial behavior in the area; or 

4. a decline in the quality of schools serving the area. 

(b)  Providing financial assistance.- A person may not provide financial assistance by loan, gift, or otherwise to another person if the person has actual knowledge that the financial assistance will be used in a transaction that results from a violation of subsection (a) of this section. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 56A, § 4-608; 1989, ch. 3, § 1; 1994, ch. 3, § 13; 1995, ch. 431.]