Late Rental Fees Prohibition Could Stay For Another Year In MOCO

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Councilmember Will Jawando introduced a bill that would extend renter protections into next year rather than cutting them off 90 days after the Maryland State of Emergency ended, as scheduled. The proposal would keep rent increase limitations on and prohibit the charging of late rent fees until next year.

“When we were thrust into COVID-19 in March 2020, we had no idea how long it would last,” said Jawando — who serves on the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee — in a statement. “Now, almost 18 months later, we are on our way back, but the economy has a long way to go toward a full and equitable recovery. Many of our residents who lost jobs are behind on rent, bills and are searching for employment and stability. Bill 30-21 will provide critical relief to help folks remain stable in their homes as we recover.”

The bill, if passed, would not require landlords to refund tenants who have already paid late fees.

These restrictions were put in place under the COVID-19 Renters Relief Act, put into action in April 2020, as people around the country faced job instability and worried about their ability to pay rent. Maryland's State of Emergency ended on July 1.

A public hearing is scheduled for the bill on Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m.

Read the full council briefing here.