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Rent Control Laws in Maryland

Maryland has no statewide rent cap and does not ban local rent control; Montgomery County caps increases at the lower of CPI-U plus 3% or 6% (5.2% through June 30, 2027), and Takoma Park allows 3% for July 2026 to June 2027.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Maryland at a glance

Statewide rent cap
No
No state statute capping private residential rent was found.
Local rent control banned
No
Local rent control
Includes Montgomery County and Takoma Park
Montgomery County: lower of CPI-U plus 3% or 6% (5.2% for July 2026 to June 2027). Takoma Park: 3% for July 2026 to June 2027.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Maryland

Does Maryland have a statewide rent cap?

No. Statewide rent cap in Maryland: no. No state statute capping private residential rent was found.

Does Maryland law ban cities from adopting rent control?

No. Local rent control banned in Maryland: no.

Which cities in Maryland have rent control?

Local rent control in Maryland: Includes Montgomery County and Takoma Park. Montgomery County: lower of CPI-U plus 3% or 6% (5.2% for July 2026 to June 2027). Takoma Park: 3% for July 2026 to June 2027.

Where do the Maryland rent control laws come from?

The rules above come from Montgomery County Code 29-57 and Montgomery County Code 29-58. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

Montgomery County units exempt from its law are encouraged, but not required, to follow a voluntary rent guideline.

What this means in practice

Even where there is no rent control, a landlord usually cannot raise the rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. Increases normally take effect at renewal or after written notice for a month-to-month tenancy, and notice periods are set by state law.

Rent caps and rent stabilization rules commonly have exemptions, such as buildings built in recent years, owner-occupied duplexes, or units owned by individuals rather than companies. A unit can sit in a covered city and still be exempt, so read the coverage section of the law closely.

Local rent control ordinances change through ballot measures and council votes more often than state law does. If you rent or own property in a city that regulates rent, check the city or county housing department for the current allowable increase and any registration requirements.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.