Tenants in Montgomery County could face significant rent increases now that the bill that previously protected them has lapsed.
Matt Losak, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Renters Alliance, spoke of the predicaments facing renters this summer during a media briefing with County Executive Marc Elrich on Wednesday.
The bill proposes a 6-month limit of 4.4% on rent increases and notifications of rent increases. Elrich proposed the limit in June.
Council President Gabe Albornoz is lead sponsor at the request of the County Executive. During a media briefing Monday, Albornoz said councilmembers will revisit the legislation when they return from their summer recess in September. The recess began following Tuesday’s council meeting.
During the meeting, Montgomery County renters and local property associations testified in favor of and against the bill.
Previous rent stabilization expired May 15. Since then, landlords can notify tenants about increases greater than 0.4%, but they cannot take effect until 90 days after notice. If a notice of rent increase was issued May 15, it could go into effect in August.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Councilmember Will Jawando, lead sponsor for the previous bill that extended limitations on rent increases and late fees, said he was disappointed the council has “collectively chosen” not to vote on the bill before large increases start going into effect next month.
During Wednesday’s briefing, Elrich said the county’s COVID-19 rent relief program has reopened applications. The program provides rental assistance to tenants who experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are behind on rent payments, with income restrictions. Eligible residents should apply online at www.mc311.com/rentrelief.
