Leases for single family rental units may, after August 12, 1992, pursuant to Section 29-30(a)(3) of the Montgomery County Code, 2001, as amended, include a clause that transfers to the tenant the responsibility for maintenance expenses but not for replacement of or repairs to structural elements of the building, major appliances, or electrical , plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning systems. Should the tenant not handle the maintenance items at tenant's expense, the landlord may handle the maintenance items and charge the tenant for those actual expenses in accordance with this Executive Regulation. The landlord may charge up to a maximum of $50.00 in actual expenses per maintenance occurrence not to exceed a maximum of $250.00 per year.

To see the specific Code reference, please click on the first link below. The Office of Landlord Tenant Affairs handles landlord and tenant disputes involving most residential rental properties located in Montgomery County however, does NOT have jurisdiction within the incorporated municipalities of the City of Gaithersburg (301.258.6340), City of Rockville (240.314.8300), City of Takoma Park (301.891.7119), Town of Barnesville, Town of Garrett Park, and the Town of Laytonsville. Questions regarding properties within these incorporated municipalities should be referred to the local municipality for further information.

To file a formal Landlord Tenant complaint, download a complaint form and follow the filing instructions by visiting the Department of Housing and Community Affairs website and clicking on the link below.