The BNI Board of Directors
The BNI Board of Directors are a major reason why BNI has been such a leader for Fair Housing and Tenant/Landlord relations across the state. We also have honorary members who come from a variety of backgrounds. All share our passion for justice.

Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 (FHA) (42U.S.C.A. §§ 3601-3631) is also known as Title VIII of the civil rights act of 1968. Congress passed the act in an effort to impose a comprehensive solution to the problem of unlawful discrimination in housing based on race, color, sex, national origin, or religion.

Tenant/Landlord
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, when you sign a lease agreement, you sign a contract. You are contractually obligated to perform certain duties and assume certain responsibilities. You are also granted certain rights and protections under the lease agreement.BNI is here to help you understand these rights and protections.

How You Can Help
are many ways you can help promote fair housing in Maryland. Become a member of BNI. Make a tax deductible gift to BNI. Volunteer at BNI. Most importantly, know your rights and responsibilities regarding fair housing and equal opportunity.

Dates to Remember
BNI events can be viewed by clicking here.

BNI'S MISSION...

BNI promotes justice in housing for all people in the State of Maryland through fair housing and tenant-landlord programs and public information activities.

BNI's VISION...

BNI is committed to helping shape a more just society by ensuring equal opportunities in housing throughout the State of Maryland. BNI promotes citizens living together as good neighbors without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation.

OUR HISTORY...

Since 1979, BNI has counseled tenants and landlords, expanding statewide in 1991 thanks to a grant from Maryland Legal Services Corporation. As a result, our Tenant/Landlord hotline counsels 18,000-20,000 callers annually. Counselors assist callers with information regarding evictions, maintenance issues, security deposits, proper notice to vacate, and many other areas. In addition, BNI publishes highly regarded tenant-landlord manuals and guides BNI fights housing discrimination, supports integrated communities, works to improve tenant-landlord relations, provides community education and outreach, and advocates for persons with disabilities on accessible housing issues. Support for BNI comes from individual memberships, The United Way of Central Maryland, local and federal government grants, corporate and foundation gifts, the religious community and other organizations. Membership and volunteer support is essential, strengthening the BNI voice in the courts and in the community. BNI, one of the oldest and largest fair housing organizations in the nation, continues to work for justice in housing, and remains committed to the belief that "good neighbors come in all colors and abilities.

BNI is also grateful to our grantors, sponsors and contributors, without whose financial support we would not be able to exist as Maryland’s only statewide nonprofit organization focused on fair housing and tenant-landlord issues. Our ability to continue this unique and essential work for housing justice in 2014, as well as in 2059 and beyond, ultimately depends on you! We know you have many options in giving to charity and we appreciate your considering BNI this year.

While your tax deductible gifts in any amount are appreciated, perhaps you will consider a gift in recognition of our 2014 milestones in the amount of $55 or $100 or even $550. To make your gift, visit our products/donations page. I hope you appreciate the artwork that accompanies this message and will consider purchasing notecards and/or postcards displaying this beautiful work by Bernard Kleina. Please view/download the linked order form for more information.