Rent Control: Rockville vs Takoma Park
How do rent control rules compare between Rockville, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Rockville has fewer restrictions than Takoma Park.
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 →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Takoma Park has one of the oldest and strongest rent stabilization programs in Maryland, established in 1981 under Chapter 6, Article 4 of the city code. Annual rent increases are capped at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area. The program covers most rental units and is administered by the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs (COLTA). Landlords must provide written notice before any rent increase and may petition COLTA for hardship increases above the CPI cap.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rockville | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | MoCo Chapter 29 Voluntary Rent Guidelines | - |
| Guideline Basis | CPI for DC metro area | - |
| Notice Required | 2 months written before increase | 30 days before increase |
| Exemptions | New construction (first 5 yrs), under 5 units | - |
| OLTA Contact | 240-777-3600 | - |
| Established | - | 1981 |
| Annual Cap | - | CPI for Washington-Baltimore area |
| Administration | - | COLTA |
| COLTA Contact | - | 301-891-7215 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Takoma Park FAQ
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Takoma Park?
Annual rent increases are capped at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area. COLTA publishes the allowable percentage each year. Increases above CPI require COLTA approval.
Which rental units are covered by rent stabilization?
Most rental units in Takoma Park are covered, including apartments, condos, and rented single-family homes. Limited exemptions exist for certain newer units and owner-occupied properties with only one rental unit.
Can my landlord raise rent above the CPI cap?
Only with COLTA approval through a hardship petition process. The landlord must demonstrate increased operating costs, capital improvements, or insufficient return on investment. Tenants may participate in the hearing.
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