Rent Control: Gaithersburg vs Rockville
How do rent control rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Rockville, MD?
Gaithersburg and Rockville have similar restriction levels.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Gaithersburg is located within Montgomery County, which has voluntary rent guidelines under County Code Chapter 29 (Landlord-Tenant Relations). The county publishes annual rent increase guidelines based on the Consumer Price Index. These guidelines apply to most rental units but are voluntary for landlords. Montgomery County does not impose mandatory rent control, though tenants can file complaints about excessive increases.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
Rockville follows Montgomery County rent stabilization guidelines under Chapter 29 of the County Code, which apply to most rental units in the county including those within Rockville city limits. Annual rent increases are limited to a percentage set by the Voluntary Rent Guidelines, typically tied to the Consumer Price Index. Landlords who exceed the guideline amount risk tenant complaints to the county Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs.
View full Rockville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Rockville |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Guidelines | Voluntary, CPI-based annual cap | - |
| Notice Required | 60 days (lease) / 90 days (month-to-month) | 2 months written before increase |
| Enforcement | OLTA mediation, not mandatory | - |
| MPDU Units | Separate income-based limits | - |
| OLTA Contact | 240-777-0311 | 240-777-3600 |
| Governing Law | - | MoCo Chapter 29 Voluntary Rent Guidelines |
| Guideline Basis | - | CPI for DC metro area |
| Exemptions | - | New construction (first 5 yrs), under 5 units |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
Does Gaithersburg have rent control?
Not in the traditional sense. Montgomery County publishes voluntary annual rent increase guidelines based on CPI. Landlords are not legally required to follow them, but tenants can file complaints with the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs if they believe an increase is unreasonable.
How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent in Gaithersburg?
Landlords must provide at least 60 days written notice before a rent increase for tenants with a lease. Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 90 days notice under Montgomery County Code Chapter 29.
Where can I file a complaint about a rent increase in Gaithersburg?
Contact the Montgomery County Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs at 240-777-0311. OLTA provides mediation services and can evaluate whether the increase is consistent with the voluntary guidelines.
Rockville FAQ
Does Rockville have rent control?
Rockville follows Montgomery County's Voluntary Rent Guidelines under Chapter 29, which recommend annual rent increase limits tied to the CPI. While technically voluntary, landlords exceeding the guideline face tenant complaints and mediation through the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs.
How much can my landlord raise rent in Rockville?
The guideline percentage varies annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Contact the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs at 240-777-3600 for the current year's guideline. Landlords must give at least two months written notice before any increase.
What if my landlord exceeds the rent guideline?
You can file a complaint with the Montgomery County Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs at 240-777-3600. OLTA will attempt mediation and may issue non-binding recommendations regarding the increase.
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