Rockville, MD Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Filed with
- City Manager
- Prior notice required
- 1 week to other party
- Investigating body
- City Manager
- Appeal/hearing body
- Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs
Summary
Rockville tenants or landlords who believe a defective tenancy exists can file a written complaint with the City Manager, who investigates and may refer unresolved disputes to the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs for a hearing.
Any landlord or tenant who has reason to believe that a defective tenancy exists and/or has been created or permitted to exist by the other party to the lease or rental arrangement, may file a written complaint with the City Manager, which complaint shall state the name and address of the alleged offending landlord or tenant, the rental facility in question, and the particulars of the alleged defective tenancy or violation.(b)A complaint may be filed only after the complainant has given the alleged offending party written notice of the alleged defective tenancy and such party has failed to make a good faith effort to rectify the defective condition within one (1) week after the notice has been given.(c)Any complaint alleging matters which may also be in violation of another ordinance of the City may be referred to the department, agency, or individual primarily responsible for the enforcement of such other ordinance for appropriate action. (Laws of Rockville, Ch. 26, § 5-101)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 18-56, a complaint must first be preceded by one week's written notice to the other party giving them a chance to fix the problem. Once filed, § 18-57 requires the City Manager to investigate whether a defective tenancy exists and, if a tenant's health or safety is in immediate danger, to take emergency action and notify the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs. If reasonable grounds are found, the City Manager attempts conciliation before any case proceeds to a Commission hearing. This is a City of Rockville process, distinct from Montgomery County's separate landlord-tenant licensing program.
Violations & Fines
Filing without the required one-week prior notice is invalid; failing to comply with a resulting Commission order is itself a violation subject to a municipal infraction citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who investigates a Rockville landlord-tenant complaint?
Can I file a complaint right away?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockville
Compare Rockville to another location·View the Maryland rental inspections overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.