Maryland Rent Increase Laws 2024: What Tenants Should Know

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Tenants should be aware of the 2024 rent increase legislation in Maryland, which combine local bylaws with statewide controls. Here is a synopsis of the main ideas:

General Overview

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  Statewide Regulations
  
  : Maryland does not have a statewide cap on rent increases, allowing landlords to adjust rents according to lease agreements. However, they must provide proper notice based on the lease type:
  • 90 days for leases longer than one month.
  • 60 days for leases between one week and one month.
  • 21 days for oral leases of one week or less.
  • 7 days for written leases of one week or less.

• 90 days for leases longer than one month.
• 60 days for leases between one week and one month.
• 21 days for oral leases of one week or less.
• 7 days for written leases of one week or less.

Local Ordinances

Montgomery County

• 
  Rent Stabilization Bill (Bill No. 15-23)
  
  : Effective August 1, 2024, this bill limits annual rent increases to the lesser of 3% plus inflation or a maximum of 6%. Landlords must provide at least 90 days notice before any increase
  
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  Capital Improvements
  
  : Landlords can apply surcharges for capital improvements, with specific limits on how much rent can be increased based on the nature of the improvements
  
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Prince George s County

• 
  Rent Stabilization Act of 2023
  
  : Temporarily limits rent increases to 3% over a 12-month period, effective until October 17, 2024. This applies to most residential properties but excludes affordable housing units and those built within the last five years
  
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Baltimore City

• Similar to Montgomery County, Baltimore City monitors rent increases closely, linking them to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure affordability for tenants
  
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Tenant Protections

• The Renters Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024, signed by Governor Wes Moore, enhances protections against excessive rent hikes and outlines penalties for landlords who violate these regulations. Tenants can challenge unlawful increases, which may lead to legal action against landlords
  
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Conclusion

Maryland renters should educate themselves on local and state legislation pertaining to rent increases. Local ordinances in places like Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties offer particular protections meant to preserve affordable housing, even while state regulations give landlords some leeway. Tenants who may be subject to rent hikes should make sure they are informed appropriately and are aware of their legal rights.

RESOURCES:

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