The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved Bill 40-26 on Tuesday, November 10, requiring landlords to accept checks, personal checks or money orders as forms of rent payment.
The legislation, led by Council President Natali Fani-González, aims to provide renters with more payment options, particularly those who do not use traditional banking services or prefer not to pay rent online.
According to the Council, the legislation follows complaints from renters who experienced difficulties when landlords refused to accept checks or money orders.
“Renters deserve more payment options when rent comes due at the end of the month,” Fani-González said.
The new requirement will take effect 91 days after County Executive Marc Elrich signs the bill into law.
