Understanding Rent Gouging Laws in Maryland

If you rent your home in Maryland, you may worry about sudden rent increases or whether your landlord is allowed to raise your rent by any amount. While Maryland does not have a statewide rent control law, some local protections exist, and unfairly high rent hikes—known as rent gouging—may be subject to local rules or general consumer protection laws. This guide breaks down what counts as rent gouging in Maryland, how increases are regulated, and what you can do if you believe your landlord has raised your rent unfairly.

What Is Rent Gouging?

"Rent gouging" refers to charging renters excessively high prices for their rental unit, especially in times of crisis or without reasonable justification. In practice, rent gouging is often defined by local law. Maryland state law does not set a specific cap on rent increases for most privately-owned rentals, but certain counties and municipalities do.

Maryland’s Approach to Rent Increases

Maryland state law generally allows landlords to raise rent at the end of a lease term, as long as they provide proper written notice and do not increase rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. There is no statewide rent increase cap, but:

• Local Jurisdictions: Some places (like Prince George's County and the City of Takoma Park) have local rent stabilization or rent control laws.
• Notice Requirement: Landlords must give written notice before a rent increase. Most commonly this is at least 60 days, but local requirements may differ.
• Eviction Protections: Rent can only be increased at the end of a lease or during a month-to-month tenancy, not while you are under a fixed-term lease (unless your lease allows it).

For a summary of rent regulation in your area, check with your local county or city housing agency.

Emergency Rent Gouging Protections

During emergencies (such as natural disasters or public health crises), Maryland’s governor can enact temporary price gouging prohibitions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency orders banned excessive rent increases.

Local Rent Control and Stabilization in Maryland

Some Maryland communities have their own rent control laws with specific limits on annual rent increases. For instance:

• City of Takoma Park enforces a rent stabilization ordinance limiting annual rent increases (typically based on inflation).
• Prince George's County currently has a temporary rent stabilization law (as of 2024), capping increases at 3% per year for rental properties built before 2000.

Check your local government's website or contact their housing department to see if your rental falls under such protections.

Protections Against Unfair or Retaliatory Rent Increases

Maryland law prohibits landlords from increasing the rent to retaliate against a tenant for complaints or asserting their rights. This is outlined in Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208.1.^[1] Likewise, landlords cannot increase rent on a discriminatory basis—doing so could violate the federal Fair Housing Act.

How to Take Action Against Rent Gouging

If you believe your rent increase is extreme or retaliatory:

• Request a written justification for the increase from your landlord.
• Research local laws or contact your county or city housing department for specific protections or caps in your area.
• Consider mediation or file a complaint if local rent control laws are being violated.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Mediation Request Form (City of Takoma Park)
  Use this form if you and your landlord have a rent dispute in the City of Takoma Park.
  For example, if your rent was increased more than allowed under local law and informal negotiation did not work, you can fill out the Mediation Request Form to start a formal process with the housing department.
• Prince George’s County Rent Stabilization Complaint Form
  File this form if your landlord exceeds the legal rent cap or you suspect rent gouging under the county’s ordinance.
  For example, if your rent was raised more than 3%, submit the Rent Stabilization Complaint Form directly to the County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement.

Always keep copies of all notices and correspondence when submitting these forms.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Maryland?

Rental disputes or complaints related to rent increases are typically handled by local housing agencies or boards. For statewide landlord-tenant court matters, the Maryland District Court is the tribunal responsible for residential tenancy cases.^[2] Check your city or county for specific housing offices.

Relevant Maryland Tenancy Legislation

• Maryland Code, Real Property Title 8 covers statewide landlord-tenant rules, including notice and retaliation laws.
• Review Maryland’s full landlord-tenant statutes for your rights and responsibilities as a renter.

1. What is considered rent gouging in Maryland?
   Rent gouging typically means a sudden, excessive rent increase that far exceeds local market rates, especially during an emergency. Maryland has no statewide cap, but local jurisdictions like Takoma Park and Prince George’s County impose limits. In emergencies, the governor can prohibit extreme rent increases.
2. Is there statewide rent control in Maryland?
   No, Maryland does not have statewide rent control. Rent caps, if any, are set by city or county ordinances.
3. How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent?
   In most areas, landlords must give at least 60 days written notice before increasing rent, though local rules may vary.
4. Can my landlord raise rent as retaliation?
   No. Maryland law prohibits landlords from raising rent in retaliation for tenant complaints or exercising tenant rights.
5. Where can I file a complaint if I think my rent increase is illegal?
   Contact your local housing department or, for statewide court issues, the Maryland District Court. In rent-controlled areas, use official complaint forms provided by your city or county.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development – Statewide renter and landlord resources
• Maryland Legal Aid – Free legal help for qualifying renters
• Maryland District Court – Tenant Resources – Filing court complaints and understanding your rights
• Prince George’s County Rent Stabilization Act Info
• Takoma Park Rent Stabilization

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1. Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-208.1 – Retaliatory Actions
2. Maryland District Court – Landlord–Tenant Information

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