Maryland makes creating or possessing fake real estate leases a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison

Original title: Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty

Last action · May 12, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 550Sponsors: Ron Watson and 9 others

Companion · HB 765same policy, House version

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

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Floor Vote

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What This Bill Does

Maryland law now prohibits creating, helping to create, or knowingly possessing a real property lease or rental agreement with the intent to defraud. Violating the prohibition on creating a fake lease is classified as a carrying up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, while possessing a fake lease is a carrying up to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Why it matters

Landlords, tenants, and property owners face new criminal penalties and expanded legal protections against fraudulent rental agreements starting in October 2026.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Landlords and Property Owners

Property owners gain specific legal protections against individuals who create or possess fraudulent leases for real property.

Directly affected

Tenants and Renters

Renters are protected from rental scams involving counterfeit lease agreements and are subject to criminal liability if they knowingly possess fake leases with fraudulent intent.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the penalties for making a fake lease in Maryland?

Creating or helping to create a real property lease or rental agreement with intent to defraud is a punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Is simply possessing a fake rental agreement illegal under this law?

Yes. Knowingly and willfully possessing a lease or rental agreement with fraudulent intent is a punishable by up to 3 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Where can a prosecution for lease counterfeiting take place?

Prosecution can be commenced in any county where an element of the crime occurred, where the document is recorded or filed, where the victim resides, or where a business victim operates.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

13 actions

May 12, 2026Governor of MarylandEnrolled
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 550
Apr 6, 2026SenateFloor
Returned Passed
Apr 3, 2026HouseFloor
Third Reading Passed (119-0)
Apr 2, 2026HouseFloor
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
Apr 2, 2026HouseCommittee
Favorable Report by Judiciary
Feb 20, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred Judiciary

Show 7 earlier actions

Feb 19, 2026SenateFloor
Third Reading Passed (37-5)
Feb 17, 2026SenateFloor
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Feb 17, 2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments { 193821/1 Adopted
Feb 16, 2026SenateCommittee
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
Jan 14, 2026SenateIntroduced
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
Jan 13, 2026Senate
Hearing 1/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Oct 31, 2025SenateIntroduced
Pre-filed

Version history

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