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

Montgomery County Chapter 29 establishes a Voluntary Rent Guideline program that covers most rental housing in the county, including units within Rockville city limits. The annual guideline percentage is set by the County Executive based on the Consumer Price Index for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area. For recent years, the guideline has ranged from 0.4% to 6.2% depending on inflation. While the guidelines are technically voluntary, landlords who exceed them face potential tenant complaints and conciliation through the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (OLTA). OLTA provides mediation services and can make non-binding recommendations regarding excessive increases. Certain properties are exempt from the guidelines, including newly constructed buildings for the first five years, substantially rehabilitated units, and units in buildings with fewer than five rental units in some circumstances. Landlords must provide tenants with at least two months written notice before any rent increase takes effect, as required by Maryland Real Property Article 8-208. The notice must state the amount of the increase and the effective date. Rockville does not have its own separate rent control ordinance but relies on the county framework. Tenants concerned about excessive rent increases should contact OLTA at 240-777-3600 or the Rockville tenant services hotline.