Montgomery County, MD Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice period
- Landlord gets 1 week to fix
- Filed with
- DHCA Director, written complaint
- First step
- Director investigates, then conciliates
- Hearing body
- Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs
- Max damages award
- $2,500 per affected dwelling unit
Summary
Tenants with an unresolved defective-tenancy complaint file in writing with the Department of Housing and Community Affairs Director after giving landlords one week's notice to fix the problem.
If any affected tenant has reason to believe that a defective tenancy exists, has given the landlord notice of the tenant's complaint alleging a defective tenancy, and the landlord does not make a bona fide effort to rectify the defective condition within one week after the notice has been given, the affected tenant may file with the Director a complaint in writing. The complaint must state the name and address of the landlord, the premises in question, and the particulars of the alleged defective tenancy.
(b) If any prospective tenant believes that a landlord has violated Sections 29-27 or 29-28, the prospective tenant may file a written complaint with the Director stating the name and address of the landlord, the premises in question, and the details of the alleged violation. (1972 L.M.C., ch. 27, § 1; 1978 L.M.C., ch. 11, § 2; 1984 L.M.C., ch. 30, § 2; 2000 L.M.C., ch. 32, § 1.) Editor’s note—Section 29-36 is cited in Joseph v. Bozzuto Management Company, 173 Md. App. 305, 918 A.2d 1230 (2007). Section 29-36, formerly § 29-31, was renumbered and amended pursuant to 2000 L.M.C.,
ch. 32, § 1.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County Code § 29-36 lets any tenant with a 'defective tenancy' file a written complaint with the DHCA Director once the landlord has had a written notice and one week to fix the problem without a bona fide effort. The complaint must name the landlord, describe the rental unit, and detail the alleged defect. The Director investigates under § 29-39, tries to conciliate under § 29-41, and can refer unresolved cases to the Montgomery County Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs for a hearing under § 29-44, which can award lease termination, security-deposit return, or damages up to $2,500 under § 29-47.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a Commission order or summons issued after a hearing is a Class A violation: up to $1,000 criminal fine or a $500 first-offense civil penalty under Code § 1-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to notify my landlord before filing?
Where and how do I file?
What can the Commission award me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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