On October 18, 2023, Howard County, Md. Executive Dr. Calvin Ball announced that rent control legislation will be introduced in the county, which would cap rent increases at 5 percent annually plus CPI with a maximum cap of 10 percent. While details are currently limited to information disseminated at Executive Ball’s press conference, rental housing providers in the county can expect elements of the newly formed Howard County Rent Stabilization Coalition’s proposal to be considered, which calls for:
- "A cap of 3% or the CPI increase (whichever is lower) on rent increases in a single year;
- NO EXEMPTIONS for any tenants or landlords or lease types;
- NO EXEMPTIONS for newly-constructed rental units;
- Vacancy Control, which would apply the rent increase limit from one tenant to the next;
- Enforcement by the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licensing and Permitting and
- Limits on administrative, miscellaneous and other fees, which can serve as an end run for landlords to get around the rent increase caps."
These proposals come on the heels of rent control laws in Mt. Rainier, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Md., and represent the increased interest in this flawed policy amongst lawmakers across the state and throughout the country. To date, the National Apartment Association (NAA) has tracked 192 state bills related to rent control nationwide.
The Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) continues to spearhead the industry’s advocacy efforts in Howard County and ensure the housing provider perspective is heard. “While we still haven’t seen a draft bill, MMHA intends to oppose any form of rent control that unreasonably caps rent,” said Aaron Greenfield, Director of Government Affairs for MMHA. “Rent control is a failed policy that exacerbates the affordable housing crisis that we see in Howard County and Maryland.”
Recent research from NAA has found that 71% of housing providers have or expect to reduce investment and development in rent-controlled markets by scaling back plans, shifting to other markets or canceling plans altogether. Meanwhile, 67% of housing providers say they would absolutely not invest in another market with strict rent control policies.
NAA thanks MMHA for its work to advocate for the rental housing industry’s needs in Howard County and remains committed to supporting its affiliate partners in their efforts to advance sustainable policy solutions to the current housing shortage.
For more information about rent control, please contact Ben Harrold, Manager of Public Policy.