Maryland Rent Stabilization Laws Explained for Renters

Rent stabilization is a priority topic for many Maryland renters facing worries about rising rent costs. While Maryland does not have statewide rent control, certain counties and municipalities have local laws that limit how much a landlord can raise your rent each year. Understanding these local rules can help you better plan your housing budget, respond to notices, and know when to seek help. This article breaks down key rights and steps for renters dealing with rent increases and stabilization in Maryland.

What Is Rent Stabilization in Maryland?

Maryland does not have a statewide rent stabilization or rent control law. Instead, some local governments—such as Montgomery County and Prince George's County—have enacted their own regulations on how much and how often rent can be increased in certain properties. These local rules are designed to provide renters with predictability and prevent sudden, unaffordable rent hikes.

How Does Local Rent Stabilization Work?

While rules vary by locality, most rent stabilization laws in Maryland limit the percentage by which landlords can raise the rent in a given year, and often require advance notice before the increase takes effect. Some jurisdictions also offer renters the right to challenge increases they believe violate local rules.

• Montgomery County: As of 2024, landlords are limited to annual rent increases of up to 6% or the local Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. See the Montgomery County DHCA Rent Increase page.
• Prince George's County: In 2023, the county enacted a temporary rent stabilization measure that caps rent increases at 3% over a 12-month period for most units. Visit the Prince George's County Rent Stabilization page.

Other Maryland cities and counties may have their own guidelines. Always check with your local housing department for the most up-to-date rules.

Your Rights: Rent Increase Notices and Legal Protections

Even outside these rent-stabilized zones, Maryland law protects renters by requiring landlords to give proper advance notice before any rent increases take effect. The required notice period depends on the type of lease:

• Year-to-Year Leases: Landlords must provide at least 3 months' written notice before raising rent (Md. Code, Real Property § 8-104).
• Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must give at least 1 month's written notice.

Renters cannot be evicted or face retaliation simply for questioning or challenging a rent increase that exceeds local legal limits.

Official Forms for Disputing Rent Increases

Depending on your location, local agencies may provide forms to help renters formally challenge a rent increase. For example, in Montgomery County:

• Rent Increase Complaint Form (no official number)
  • When to Use: If you believe a rent increase is above allowable limits or improper, complete this form to request an investigation.
  • How to Use: Download the form from the official Montgomery County website, fill it out, and submit via email or mail as instructed.
• Consumer Protection Complaint Form (used more broadly for all housing issues)
  • When to Use: If the rent stabilization problem is part of a larger dispute or there are other tenant-landlord issues.
  • How to Use: Access via the official Consumer Protection office site. Submit the filled form as directed.

Residents in Prince George's County can contact the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) for similar forms and instructions on how to dispute a rent increase. For more details, visit the official Rent Stabilization page.

Which Maryland Tribunal Handles Rent Stabilization?

Rental disputes and rent increase complaints in Maryland are handled at the local level. In Montgomery County, contact the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs, part of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA).

For statewide tenant-landlord legal matters, Maryland's District Court Landlord-Tenant Division handles eviction and major disputes, but rent stabilization issues generally start locally.

Key Legislation for Renters

• Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8 – Landlord and Tenant
• Local rent stabilization acts (see Montgomery County Landlord-Tenant Code and Prince George's County Rent Stabilization Law)

How to Challenge an Illegal Rent Increase in Maryland

Here’s a quick summary of the steps you can take if you think your rent increase is too high under local stabilization rules:

• Review your area’s current rent stabilization regulations
• Gather documentation: past rent payments, lease agreement, notice of increase
• Download the correct complaint form from your local housing agency
• Submit your completed form along with supporting documents
• Follow up with the agency if you do not receive a timely response

Frequently Asked Questions: Maryland Rent Stabilization

1. Does Maryland have statewide rent control?
   No, Maryland does not have a statewide rent control law. Rent stabilization policies exist only in certain counties and cities.
2. How much notice must my landlord give me before raising my rent?
   Generally, at least three months' written notice is required for year-to-year leases, and one month for month-to-month agreements.
3. What can I do if my landlord raises my rent above the local limit?
   You can complete a Rent Increase Complaint Form and submit it to your local housing department to request an investigation.
4. Who do I contact if I have questions about my rights?
   Contact your county’s Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs or your local Department of Housing. Statewide legal resources are also available through Maryland's District Court.
5. Can my landlord evict me for reporting a rent increase violation?
   No. Maryland law protects renters from retaliation for asserting their legal rights.

Conclusion: What Maryland Renters Should Remember

• Some Maryland counties and cities protect renters with local rent stabilization laws; know your area's rules.
• Landlords are required to give advanced written notice of rent increases under state law.
• If you believe a rent increase is illegal, use official complaint forms and contact your local tenant board for assistance.

Staying informed and responding quickly to rent increase notices can help you protect your rights and plan your housing future.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Montgomery County Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs (information, forms, complaint process)
• Prince George's County Rent Stabilization (local rules & support)
• Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Legal Help
• Maryland People's Law Library: Rent Increases

---

1. Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-104
2. Montgomery County DHCA Rent Increase Information
3. Prince George's County Rent Stabilization
4. Maryland District Court Landlord-Tenant Legal Help

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations