There is a new law that took effect October 1, 2024, which requires the District Court to shield all court records related to failure to pay rent cases if the case did not result in a judgment of possession. The tenant must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she paid the judgment amount prior to eviction and stayed in the property (i.e., the tenant exercised their right of redemption) and at least 12 months have passed since the entry of the judgment OR (2) The court determines that there is otherwise good cause to shield the court records.

The new law is codified in Md. Ann. Code, Real Property Art., Sec. 8-503. The law also provides that the court shall automatically shield all court records related to the proceeding within 60 days of the final resolution of the matter so long as the proceeding did not result in a judgment of possession.

Shielding means that the case is hidden from public view. It is not expunged so the records still exist and are not destroyed. It is important to shield failure to pay rent cases if eligible because future landlords may not be willing to rent to you if they see that failure to rent cases have been filed against you.