Landlords may increase a tenant's rent only once every 12 months, whether the lease is month-to-month, one year, or two years. To increase rent, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written notice of the increase, either sent via U.S. Mail or in person if the tenant signs to confirm receipt of the rent increase.

For non-rent stabilized units - the County Executive issues a voluntary rent guideline annually at the beginning of February. This year, 2024, the Voluntary Rent Guideline (VRG) is 2.6% (effective 3/1/24). While a landlord is not required to adhere to this guideline, it is strongly recommended that they do so to help keep rents at a reasonable rate. For units subject to rent stabilization, the maximum allowable increase between July 23, 2024, and June 30, 2025, is 6%, meaning during that time, a landlord may increase their tenants' rent up to 6%. If the unit is rent stabilized, and a tenant has signed a two-year lease, a landlord cannot increase the rent for the next 24 months

The Office of Rent Stabilization (DHCA) handles inquiries regarding rent increases involving most residential rental properties in Montgomery County. However, DHCA does NOT have jurisdiction within the incorporated municipalities of the City of Gaithersburg (301.258.6340), the City of Rockville (240.314.8300), the City of Takoma Park (301.891.7119), and the Town of Laytonsville. Questions regarding properties in those jurisdictions should be referred to the local municipalities.