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At Mainstay Property Management, we’ve watched the local market transition from post-pandemic volatility into a phase best described as:
Regulated Stability.
Demand remains strong—driven by federal employment centers, healthcare institutions, and transit-oriented development—but the rules governing rental housing have fundamentally changed. Today, compliance is inseparable from profitability.
This guide serves as a central reference for Montgomery County landlords, covering:
Montgomery County, MD, continues to benefit from:
However, county leadership has prioritized tenant protection and enforcement, making Montgomery County a complex environment for self-managing landlords.
The Montgomery County Rent Stabilization Law now governs rent increases across much of the county.
If CPI remains below the cap, landlords are limited to the calculated amount.
Rental properties built in 2003 or earlier are generally subject to rent stabilization. This affects a significant portion of:
| Area | Avg. Rent (Est.) | Landlord Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Spring, MD | ~$2,250 | Transit-driven demand, inspection scrutiny |
| Bethesda, MD | $2,800+ | Luxury tenants, high compliance expectations |
| Gaithersburg, MD | ~$2,100 | Strong yields, value-add opportunities |
| Takoma Park, MD | ~$2,000 | Heavily regulated, tenant advocacy focus |
Effective July 2025, Bill 6-25 significantly expanded Montgomery County’s enforcement authority.
Landlords may now face:
Montgomery County assigns properties to one of three tiers:
Critical Impact on Rent Increases:
If your property is At-Risk or Troubled, you are prohibited from raising rent at all, regardless of rent stabilization allowances.
This makes proactive maintenance and inspection readiness essential.
Maryland law requires:
In 2026, DHCA enforcement is strict:
Any error voids the notice and restarts the 90-day clock—often costing landlords thousands in lost revenue.
If your multifamily property is 25,000 sq. ft. or larger:
This applies to many larger properties in Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Wheaton.
While Montgomery County’s rules drive some landlords out of the market, they also reduce competition for those who operate professionally.
At Mainstay Property Management, we help landlords turn regulation into leverage.
Strategic Rent Optimization
Proactive Maintenance Systems
Full Transparency
Local Expertise
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The 2026 Montgomery County rental market rewards landlords who operate with precision, systems, and local expertise.
Between:
Landlord compliance is no longer optional—it’s foundational.
Mainstay Property Management helps you:
Contact Kyle and the Mainstay team today to manage your Montgomery County rental with confidence.
For regulated rental units in Montgomery County, Maryland, the maximum allowable rent increase through June 30, 2026, is 5.7%. This cap is calculated as CPI-U (2.7%) plus 3%, and applies to many rental properties in Silver Spring, Bethesda, Takoma Park, and surrounding areas.
Most rental properties built in 2003 or earlier are subject to Montgomery County’s Rent Stabilization Law. This includes a large portion of older apartment buildings and multifamily rentals throughout Silver Spring, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Wheaton.
Yes. Montgomery County allows landlords to bank unused rent increases for future years. However, the total rent increase in any single year may not exceed 10%, including both the base increase and any banked amounts.
If Montgomery County classifies your rental property as At-Risk or Troubled due to code violations or inspection failures, you are legally prohibited from increasing rent until the property returns to Compliant status. Maintaining compliance is essential to protecting rental income.
Maryland law requires landlords to provide at least 90 days’ written notice before increasing rent. In Montgomery County, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) strictly enforces notice requirements. Any error—such as using the wrong percentage or missing disclosures—can void the notice and restart the 90-day clock.
The Consumer Protection for Renters Act (Bill 6-25) went into effect in July 2025 and expanded Montgomery County’s enforcement authority. The county can now pursue landlords in Circuit Court for deceptive trade practices related to habitability, disclosures, and compliance failures.
Yes. Multifamily buildings 25,000 square feet or larger must submit annual energy benchmarking reports using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Reports are due by June 1 each year, with fines starting at $500 per day for noncompliance.
No. If your rental property has unresolved violations that place it in an At-Risk or Troubled tier, Montgomery County prohibits any rent increases. Proactive maintenance and inspection readiness are essential for preserving rent growth eligibility.
Silver Spring often experiences heightened enforcement due to higher rental density and frequent inspections. Landlords in Silver Spring should be especially careful with rent notices, property maintenance, and compliance documentation.
Yes. Many rental properties in Bethesda, MD—particularly those built before 2003—are subject to Montgomery County rent stabilization, inspection standards, and tenant protection laws.
A professional property manager helps by:
This reduces risk while maximizing legal revenue.
Yes—but only for compliance-driven investors. While regulation has increased, demand remains strong in areas like Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Gaithersburg. Professional management allows landlords to operate profitably while staying fully compliant.
Landlords benefit most from a local property management company that understands DHCA enforcement, rent stabilization rules, and inspection procedures. Experience with county-specific regulations is critical.
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