Laws and Regulations
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The Rent Stabilization law, enacted on July 20, 2023, and effective as of July 23, 2024, through the approval of Executive Regulation 2-24, applies to most County-licensed residential rental units that are at least 23 years old, unless otherwise exempt. (See Exemptions List).
For the purposes of rent stabilization, a unit is 23 years old on January 1st of the 23rd year after the property's ‘Year Built’ on the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) website. For example, if a building's SDAT record shows 2002 as the year built, it becomes regulated on January 1, 2025.
In addition to limiting rent increases, the Rent Stabilization law and regulation:
- Specify the fees a landlord can charge a tenant and limit the amount charged to maintain affordability.
- Allow landlords to petition for a limited surcharge to pay for capital improvements.
- Allows landlords to apply for a 23-year substantial renovation exemption.
- Allow landlords to petition for an increase greater than the standard annual increase if they demonstrate that they are not receiving the fair return guaranteed in the regulation.
- Prevent properties designated as Troubled or At-Risk from increasing rents without approval from the DHCA.
- Exempt properties less than 23 years old from Rent Stabilization.
- Rent Stabilization Law, County Code
- Executive Regulation 2-24