Landlords required to accept checks and money orders (Bill 40-26)
Montgomery County
Summary
After seniors at a Rockville community were forced onto an online-only portal for lease renewals, the Council heard support for requiring landlords to accept physical payment forms.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 4
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
Certified checks and money orders cost tenants money; the bill aims to prevent evictions over payment-form disputes.
Seniors, low-income renters and residents without bank accounts or smartphones.
Small landlords, who raised concerns about administrative burden — a one-to-four-unit exemption is under consideration.
Mentions & discussions (2)
PHP Committee Worksession - Oct 26, 2026
Renters without bank accounts or who face payment barriers would be guaranteed the right to pay rent by certified check or money order, and landlords couldn't block access to online payment portals. A receipt requirement with tight deadlines in eviction-redemption cases aims to protect tenants facing loss of tenancy.
Council Session - Oct 6, 2026
After seniors at a Rockville community were forced onto an online-only portal for lease renewals, the Council heard support for requiring landlords to accept physical payment forms.
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