Residents in Montgomery County, Maryland, have been facing steep rent increases, with some seeing their rent go up by 59 percent. Nick Lyon successfully fought his landlord to reduce his increase and has heard from many neighbors who were not able to do the same. In response to these concerns, the Montgomery County Council is set to consider regulations that would cap rent increases at 3 percent plus inflation or 6 percent, whichever is lower.
The average rent in the county rose by 11.2 percent between 2019 and 2023, prompting the need for regulations to provide relief to renters. Neighboring Prince George’s County is also looking to implement similar rent stabilization measures. However, landlords and developers have pushed back against these regulations, arguing that they would reduce the county’s housing stock and make rents more expensive.
Tenants like Lyon have received large rent increases, with some facing 15 to 30 percent hikes. Lyon was able to negotiate his increase down with the help of county officials but worries that many tenants simply accept these hikes or decide to leave. Despite the delays in implementing the rent stabilization regulations, County Executive Marc Elrich is optimistic that the detailed approach taken will lead to regulations that address the concerns of both tenants and landlords.
The regulations are expected to be reviewed by the council’s Planning and Housing committee with a final vote anticipated this summer. Councilmember Natali Fani-González, who co-sponsored the legislation last year, is hopeful that these regulations will provide relief to residents facing unreasonable rent hikes.
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