The COVID-19 Rent Increase Protection Act would prohibit landlords from increasing rent and charging late fees while the City is in a state of emergency and for three months after the emergency. 

The Baltimore Sun reports on legislation passed by the Baltimore City Council aims to help tenants by preventing rent increases and late fees during the coronavirus pandemic.

And while the Housing Authority is exempted from the bill, the Sun article notes there are local and federal steps being taken to help tenants in those buildings:

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City is exempted from the bill’s requirements because federal law requires public housing agencies to determine rent based on a resident’s household income and adjust accordingly.

HABC officials say they are already working with tenants who have lost their jobs to reexamine their rental payments. Under federal coronavirus relief legislation, the agency is also is prohibited from evicting tenants for not paying rent through July 24.

For more information:

Baltimore City Council approves legislation to prohibit rent increases during coronavirus state of emergency (The Baltimore Sun)