By Shyia Clark
An eviction filing – even one that never leads to eviction – can follow a tenant for years.
In Maryland, Failure-to-Pay-Rent cases often remain publicly accessible long after rent is paid or a case is dismissed, creating lasting barriers to housing, employment and financial stability. That’s where shielding comes in.
Shielding is a legal process that limits public access to certain court records, including Failure-to-Pay-Rent cases, so they no longer appear in public searches. This protection is critical because unshielded eviction records can make it harder for tenants to secure safe housing, qualify for jobs or move forward after a temporary or financial setback. Even when tenants resolve their cases responsibly, the public record can continue to work against them.
Recognizing this problem, Maryland lawmakers recently strengthened tenant protections by expanding access to shielding. These changes reflect a growing understanding that short-term financial hardship should not define a person’s future.
What changed under the new laws
As of October 1, 2024, Maryland law (SB 0019, Real Property § 8-503) significantly expanded tenants’ ability to shield Failure-to-Pay-Rent cases.
Under the updated law, if a Failure-to-Pay-Rent case does not result in a judgment for possession – meaning the landlord did not legally regain the property – the District Court must automatically shield the record once the case is resolved.
Tenants do not need to file paperwork or request action from the court.
For cases that did not result in a judgment for possession, tenants now have a clearer pathway to request shielding. A tenant may file a petition if they paid the judgment before eviction occurred, remained in the unit, and at least 12 months have passed since the judgment. The law also allows shielding for “good cause,” giving judges discretion to consider individual circumstances such as temporary hardship or errors in the case.
To support these changes, the Maryland Judiciary introduced updated forms, including the Petition to Shield a Failure-to-Pay-Rent Action (DC-CV-119). An earlier form (DC-CV-116) is still available, and tenants should confirm which form applies to their situation.
How the shielding process works
There are two ways a Failure-to-Pay-Rent case may be shielded.
Automatic shielding applies to cases filed on or after October 1, 2024, that did not result in a judgment for possession. In these cases, the court should shield the record automatically once the matter is resolved.
Shielding by petition applies when a judgment for possession was entered or when good cause exists. Tenants must file a petition with the District Court that handled the original case. The court may temporarily shield the record while the petition is pending and may schedule a hearing if the landlord objects or the judge needs additional information.
If approved, the court issues an order shielding the record, removing it from public systems such as the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
Steps tenants can take
Tenants seeking shielding should:
- Confirm the case details. Check whether your case was filed on or after October 1, 2024, and whether there was a judgment for possession. Automatic shielding only applies to newer cases without a judgment.
- Gather proof of eligibility. Collect payment records, proof you remained in the home or documentation supporting “good cause,” such as temporary hardship or landlord error.
- File a petition with the District Court. Submit it to the court where the Failure-to-Pay-Rent case was filed, following filing instructions and keeping copies.
- Notify the landlord. Provide required notice to the landlord or property manager as outlined on the form.
- Be ready for a hearing. A hearing may be scheduled if the landlord objects or the court needs more information. Bring all supporting documents.
- Get legal help if needed. Maryland’s Access to Counsel in Evictions program and legal aid organizations can help with eligibility, forms and representation. .
Why shielding matters
Shielding offers tenants a real second chance. By limiting public access to resolved rent cases, Maryland’s updated law helps prevent past financial struggles from becoming permanent obstacles. With the right information and support, tenants can protect their records, stabilize their housing and move forward without the weight of an eviction filing holding them back.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.