Gaithersburg, MD Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

Montgomery County Code Chapter 29 establishes a framework for landlord-tenant relations that applies to rental properties in Gaithersburg. The county Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (OLTA) publishes annual Voluntary Rent Guidelines, which recommend a maximum annual rent increase based on the change in the Consumer Price Index for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area. For the most recent guidelines, the recommended increase is typically between 2% and 5%. While the guidelines are voluntary, they serve as a benchmark in disputes. Landlords must provide tenants with at least 60 days written notice before a rent increase takes effect, and 90 days for month-to-month tenancies. Tenants who believe their rent increase is unreasonable can file a complaint with OLTA, which provides mediation services. The county does not cap rents or impose mandatory rent ceilings. Certain subsidized housing and deed-restricted affordable units in Gaithersburg have separate income-based rent limitations under the Montgomery County Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program. Maryland state law does not authorize local rent control beyond what Montgomery County already provides. Contact OLTA at 311 (within the county) or 240-777-0311 for assistance.