As 2023 ends, local lawmakers are opening the Pandora’s box of rent control. This year, legislators in cities and counties across Maryland pushed hard for laws that regulate rents.
In Montgomery County, lawmakers passed a rent stabilization ordinance that caps rent increases at three percent plus inflation or six percent, whichever is lower. This ordinance, however, cannot go into effect until the County Council approves additional regulations required for the Department of Housing and Community Affairs to enforce it. A version of these regulations is expected to become available for public comment in the coming days. A similar rent control law has also been introduced in Howard County, Md., though further action is not expected until January. Earlier this year, NAA's Housing Affordability Program (HAP) approved a campaign for the Maryland Multi-Housing Association to help fight against rent control in Howard County.
Meanwhile, Prince George’s County, Md. passed a temporary, one-year three percent cap on rent increases back in January. A group tasked with exploring a permanent ordinance will end next month, January 2024. Whatever proposal that group suggests is likely to be taken up by the County Council. The cities of Mt. Rainier and Hyattsville, which are both within Prince George’s County, are also debating their own rent control provisions.
As always, the National Apartment Association is committed to supporting our affiliate network with resources and partners needed to fight rent control. This policy has proven time and time again to exacerbate the housing shortage and make it harder for renters and their families to find affordable homes.
For more information about rent control, please contact Ben Harrold, Manager of Public Policy.