Cal. Civ. Code § 20-1203
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't Art. Title 20 — Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination
Operative Text
(a) This section applies only in Baltimore County. (b) In accordance with this section, a person that is employed by an employer with fewer than 15 employees and that is subjected to a discriminatory act prohibited by the county code may bring and maintain a civil action against the employer that committed the alleged discriminatory act for relief as provided under subsection (d) of this section. (c) (1) An action under subsection (b) of this section shall be commenced in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County within 2 years after the occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act. (2) Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, an action under subsection (b) of this section may not be commenced sooner than 60 days after the aggrieved person files a complaint with the county unit responsible for handling violations of the county discrimination laws. (d) (1) In a civil action under this section, the court may award the prevailing party: (i) injunctive relief; (ii) compensatory damages, including back pay; or (iii) both injunctive relief and compensatory damages. (2) A prevailing party may not be awarded punitive damages under this section. (3) The court may award the prevailing party reasonable attorney’s fees.
Under Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-701 to 20-1204 § 20-1203, this provision applies exclusively in Baltimore County and creates a civil lawsuit pathway for employees of small employers—those with fewer than 15 workers—who experience discriminatory acts prohibited by the county code. A qualifying individual may file suit in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, but must wait at least 60 days after lodging a complaint with the county's discrimination enforcement unit and must act within 2 years of the alleged discriminatory act. Courts handling such cases may award injunctive relief and compensatory damages, including back pay, and may also grant reasonable attorney's fees, though punitive damages are expressly excluded.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-701 to 20-1204 § 20-1203 places Baltimore County employers with fewer than 15 employees within reach of civil litigation brought directly by workers who allege discriminatory treatment under the county code. Operators in this category generally maintain clear, documented anti-discrimination policies and respond promptly to any complaints filed with the county unit responsible for discrimination matters, since that filing starts the 60-day clock before a lawsuit may proceed. Because courts may award compensatory damages, back pay, and attorney's fees to a prevailing party, compliance-minded employers typically keep thorough employment records and address workplace concerns through consistent internal procedures.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-701 to 20-1204 § 20-1203 gives employees in Baltimore County who work for employers with fewer than 15 people the right to pursue a civil action in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County if they have been subjected to discriminatory conduct prohibited by the county code. Before filing suit, an aggrieved person must first submit a complaint to the county unit that handles discrimination law violations and then wait at least 60 days; the lawsuit itself must be started within 2 years of the alleged discriminatory act. Potential remedies include injunctive relief, compensatory damages such as back pay, and reasonable attorney's fees—though punitive damages are not available—and tenant-rights or worker-rights organizations can help individuals understand these options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 12, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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