Montgomery County Imposes Cap On Rent Increases During Pandemic

ROCKVILLE, MD — Landlords in Montgomery County are no longer allowed to raise rent on residential units during Maryland's coronavirus state of emergency.

On Thursday, the Montgomery County Council unanimously passed the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act, which prohibits landlords from increasing rent by more than 2.6 percent during, and 180 days after, the public health emergency.

Landlords who have arranged for higher rent hikes will have to change or cancel their rates.

The bill was sponsored by Councilmember Will Jawando.

"This bill is an important step in helping our Montgomery County residents during this difficult time," Jawando said, adding: "Our residents deserve the stability of knowing that their housing is protected."