October 1st brings several legal changes for residents across the DMV, particularly in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.
The changes cover everything from paid family leave to rental applications and air conditioning in some Maryland apartments.
Here are some of the biggest changes residents should know about.
D.C. paid family leave is changing
D.C.’s Paid Family Leave program is changing October 1st, including a reduction in the maximum weekly benefit from $1,190 to $1,100.
The maximum amount of leave for certain claims is also changing. Medical leave will decrease from 12 weeks to 10 weeks, while family leave will decrease from 12 weeks to six weeks.
However, parental leave remains available for up to 12 weeks, while prenatal leave remains at two weeks. The changes apply to eligible private-sector workers in the District.
Maryland renters are getting new protections
Several Maryland housing laws take effect October 1, including the Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act.
The law introduces new requirements for certain landlords when considering an applicant’s criminal history. Generally, covered landlords must make a conditional offer before conducting a criminal-history check, with certain exceptions.
If an offer is withdrawn because of criminal history, applicants must receive an explanation and an opportunity to request a reassessment.
Another new Maryland law gives renters the option to have positive, on-time rental payments reported to consumer reporting agencies. It also establishes additional protections for people using income-based housing subsidies.
Some Maryland apartments will have new cooling requirements
Maryland is also introducing new air-conditioning requirements for certain rental properties.
The rules apply to apartment buildings with 10 or more dwelling units and certain newer units, renovated units, or units where air conditioning was previously provided or required by the lease.
Covered units must have cooling capable of maintaining a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or lower between June 1st and September 30th.
Worth noting is that this law does not mean every existing Maryland apartment must immediately install air conditioning.
Maryland is restricting personalized food pricing
A new Maryland law also puts restrictions on how certain food retailers and third-party delivery services use consumer data to set prices.
The Protection From Predatory Pricing Act prohibits covered businesses from using certain personal data to establish individualized prices for food.
The law applies to certain large food retailers and covered third-party delivery services, with exceptions for things such as geographic price differences and loyalty discounts.
What about Virginia?
Virginia has fewer broadly applicable resident-focused changes taking effect October 1st, as most legislation passed during its regular General Assembly session takes effect July 1st.
For everyday residents, the most notable October 1 changes in the Washington area are therefore concentrated in D.C. and Maryland.
