Landlord-Tenant Code Rewrite

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On Monday, July 6, 2026, the Rockville Mayor and Council adopted the revised City Code Chapter 18, Rental Facilities and Landlord-Tenant Relations. The new ordinance will go into effect on Friday, January 1, 2027.

Over the past 10 years, Rockville has gone from a 40% population of renters to renters now making up almost half of city residents. Since this trend is expected to continue, the city sought to ensure that renters have safe, healthy housing that meets their families' needs. With that goal in mind, Rockville comprehensively reviewed its Landlord-Tenant Code after hearing from both landlords and tenants about their experiences in the city.

Rockville's Mayor and Council approved this initiative in November 2024 as a part of the city’s housing strategies work plan, which seeks to improve housing affordability and stability in the city.

What is included in the landlord-tenant code?

  • Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.
  • Complaint process and Landlord-Tenant Affairs Commission.
  • Fee regulation.
  • Inspections.
  • Lease and notification requirements.
  • Rental licensing.
  • Minimum facilities requirements.
  • Voluntary rent guidelines.
  • Data collection.

Goals of the landlord-tenant code update

  • Provide clarity on existing code elements.
  • Consider alignment with surrounding jurisdictions’ codes.
  • Improve housing stability and opportunities for tenant agency.
  • Require greater transparency for tenants.
  • Ensure alignment with state of Maryland law.
  • Review local and national best practices.
  • Better connect data collection and city goals.

On Monday, July 6, 2026, the Rockville Mayor and Council adopted the revised City Code Chapter 18, Rental Facilities and Landlord-Tenant Relations. The new ordinance will go into effect on Friday, January 1, 2027.

Over the past 10 years, Rockville has gone from a 40% population of renters to renters now making up almost half of city residents. Since this trend is expected to continue, the city sought to ensure that renters have safe, healthy housing that meets their families' needs. With that goal in mind, Rockville comprehensively reviewed its Landlord-Tenant Code after hearing from both landlords and tenants about their experiences in the city.

Rockville's Mayor and Council approved this initiative in November 2024 as a part of the city’s housing strategies work plan, which seeks to improve housing affordability and stability in the city.

What is included in the landlord-tenant code?

  • Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.
  • Complaint process and Landlord-Tenant Affairs Commission.
  • Fee regulation.
  • Inspections.
  • Lease and notification requirements.
  • Rental licensing.
  • Minimum facilities requirements.
  • Voluntary rent guidelines.
  • Data collection.

Goals of the landlord-tenant code update

  • Provide clarity on existing code elements.
  • Consider alignment with surrounding jurisdictions’ codes.
  • Improve housing stability and opportunities for tenant agency.
  • Require greater transparency for tenants.
  • Ensure alignment with state of Maryland law.
  • Review local and national best practices.
  • Better connect data collection and city goals.

Ask a Question

Ask city staff any questions you have about the landlord-tenant code rewrite.

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  • Share I live at BLVDAnsel, managed by Comstock. Recently received a notice (about June 24th) that an insurance policy at been created and I would be charged for that policy. I thought it was a scam because I have a policy that exceeds the required coverage and they have had it on file since I moved in. It automatically renews every year on June 22. I checked my BLVDAnsel account and sure enough there were two charged related to this policy that would be autopaid with my next rent. I reached out to the management and sent them my renewed policy. they did agree to remove the charges, and they did. My question is, shouldn't they have notified me in advance and asked me to provide my updated policy for their files? Instead of just automatically creating a policy and charging me? If I hadn't been paying attention this fee would automatically be added to, and autopaid, with my rent without my awareness as my lease isn't up until October. on Facebook Share I live at BLVDAnsel, managed by Comstock. Recently received a notice (about June 24th) that an insurance policy at been created and I would be charged for that policy. I thought it was a scam because I have a policy that exceeds the required coverage and they have had it on file since I moved in. It automatically renews every year on June 22. I checked my BLVDAnsel account and sure enough there were two charged related to this policy that would be autopaid with my next rent. I reached out to the management and sent them my renewed policy. they did agree to remove the charges, and they did. My question is, shouldn't they have notified me in advance and asked me to provide my updated policy for their files? Instead of just automatically creating a policy and charging me? If I hadn't been paying attention this fee would automatically be added to, and autopaid, with my rent without my awareness as my lease isn't up until October. on X (formerly Twitter) Share I live at BLVDAnsel, managed by Comstock. Recently received a notice (about June 24th) that an insurance policy at been created and I would be charged for that policy. I thought it was a scam because I have a policy that exceeds the required coverage and they have had it on file since I moved in. It automatically renews every year on June 22. I checked my BLVDAnsel account and sure enough there were two charged related to this policy that would be autopaid with my next rent. I reached out to the management and sent them my renewed policy. they did agree to remove the charges, and they did. My question is, shouldn't they have notified me in advance and asked me to provide my updated policy for their files? Instead of just automatically creating a policy and charging me? If I hadn't been paying attention this fee would automatically be added to, and autopaid, with my rent without my awareness as my lease isn't up until October. on Linkedin Email I live at BLVDAnsel, managed by Comstock. Recently received a notice (about June 24th) that an insurance policy at been created and I would be charged for that policy. I thought it was a scam because I have a policy that exceeds the required coverage and they have had it on file since I moved in. It automatically renews every year on June 22. I checked my BLVDAnsel account and sure enough there were two charged related to this policy that would be autopaid with my next rent. I reached out to the management and sent them my renewed policy. they did agree to remove the charges, and they did. My question is, shouldn't they have notified me in advance and asked me to provide my updated policy for their files? Instead of just automatically creating a policy and charging me? If I hadn't been paying attention this fee would automatically be added to, and autopaid, with my rent without my awareness as my lease isn't up until October. link

    I live at BLVDAnsel, managed by Comstock. Recently received a notice (about June 24th) that an insurance policy at been created and I would be charged for that policy. I thought it was a scam because I have a policy that exceeds the required coverage and they have had it on file since I moved in. It automatically renews every year on June 22. I checked my BLVDAnsel account and sure enough there were two charged related to this policy that would be autopaid with my next rent. I reached out to the management and sent them my renewed policy. they did agree to remove the charges, and they did. My question is, shouldn't they have notified me in advance and asked me to provide my updated policy for their files? Instead of just automatically creating a policy and charging me? If I hadn't been paying attention this fee would automatically be added to, and autopaid, with my rent without my awareness as my lease isn't up until October.

    rgkrause asked 6 days ago

    Whether or not the landlord acted properly in this case depends on the terms of your lease and any insurance addendums to the lease. Many apartment communities use third-party insurance tracking systems. If the system does not receive proof that your renter's insurance has been renewed before the previous policy expires, it may automatically enroll the resident in a landlord-selected insurance program and begin charging the associated premium. You may want to review your lease to see whether it describes the process for verifying insurance, when the landlord may obtain coverage on your behalf, and whether advance noticed is required. In addition, you may want to confirm that your insurance company automatically sends renewal information to the property.

  • Share Most fees mentioned were $25. Does that include returned checks? Also, lock out fee $25, I've had tenants call me in the middle of the night, I get it, but it seems unreasonable in many cases. What if they do it more than once? A repeating performance one might say. on Facebook Share Most fees mentioned were $25. Does that include returned checks? Also, lock out fee $25, I've had tenants call me in the middle of the night, I get it, but it seems unreasonable in many cases. What if they do it more than once? A repeating performance one might say. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Most fees mentioned were $25. Does that include returned checks? Also, lock out fee $25, I've had tenants call me in the middle of the night, I get it, but it seems unreasonable in many cases. What if they do it more than once? A repeating performance one might say. on Linkedin Email Most fees mentioned were $25. Does that include returned checks? Also, lock out fee $25, I've had tenants call me in the middle of the night, I get it, but it seems unreasonable in many cases. What if they do it more than once? A repeating performance one might say. link

    Most fees mentioned were $25. Does that include returned checks? Also, lock out fee $25, I've had tenants call me in the middle of the night, I get it, but it seems unreasonable in many cases. What if they do it more than once? A repeating performance one might say.

    ladams asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback! 

    The proposal for the lock out fee is: "A landlord must not assess or collect from the tenant any lockout fee or charge exceeding $25. In the event the landlord engages a third-party service provider for the lockout service, the landlord may charge the tenant a fee not exceeding the actual charge incurred for the service. The landlord must provide a tenant with verifiable documented evidence detailing the actual costs associated with the service."

    At this time, there is no proposal to allow a returned check fee.

  • Share Thank you for sending the Lease Addendum. I respectfully suggest that the City include the date the Addendum form was published somewhere on the form (perhaps in the footer) so that users will know if they are using a current form. I also note that the Addendum includes a disclaimer that the City is not providing legal advice. I am unclear as to why the City could not provide a sample model lease, as Montgomery County does, and include a similar disclaimer. Providing an Addendum but not providing a lease is a bit inconsistent IMO. on Facebook Share Thank you for sending the Lease Addendum. I respectfully suggest that the City include the date the Addendum form was published somewhere on the form (perhaps in the footer) so that users will know if they are using a current form. I also note that the Addendum includes a disclaimer that the City is not providing legal advice. I am unclear as to why the City could not provide a sample model lease, as Montgomery County does, and include a similar disclaimer. Providing an Addendum but not providing a lease is a bit inconsistent IMO. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Thank you for sending the Lease Addendum. I respectfully suggest that the City include the date the Addendum form was published somewhere on the form (perhaps in the footer) so that users will know if they are using a current form. I also note that the Addendum includes a disclaimer that the City is not providing legal advice. I am unclear as to why the City could not provide a sample model lease, as Montgomery County does, and include a similar disclaimer. Providing an Addendum but not providing a lease is a bit inconsistent IMO. on Linkedin Email Thank you for sending the Lease Addendum. I respectfully suggest that the City include the date the Addendum form was published somewhere on the form (perhaps in the footer) so that users will know if they are using a current form. I also note that the Addendum includes a disclaimer that the City is not providing legal advice. I am unclear as to why the City could not provide a sample model lease, as Montgomery County does, and include a similar disclaimer. Providing an Addendum but not providing a lease is a bit inconsistent IMO. link

    Thank you for sending the Lease Addendum. I respectfully suggest that the City include the date the Addendum form was published somewhere on the form (perhaps in the footer) so that users will know if they are using a current form. I also note that the Addendum includes a disclaimer that the City is not providing legal advice. I am unclear as to why the City could not provide a sample model lease, as Montgomery County does, and include a similar disclaimer. Providing an Addendum but not providing a lease is a bit inconsistent IMO.

    Rock2025 asked 3 months ago

    Thank you, we appreciate your feedback!

  • Share What is the status of the City of Rockville's sample lease agreement? I was told in August/September 2024 that Rockville was creating one but to use the Montgomery County DHCA Single Family Lease in the meantime as Rockville had not yet completed its lease. If the Rockville-approved lease agreement has been finalized, where may I find a copy? Thank you! on Facebook Share What is the status of the City of Rockville's sample lease agreement? I was told in August/September 2024 that Rockville was creating one but to use the Montgomery County DHCA Single Family Lease in the meantime as Rockville had not yet completed its lease. If the Rockville-approved lease agreement has been finalized, where may I find a copy? Thank you! on X (formerly Twitter) Share What is the status of the City of Rockville's sample lease agreement? I was told in August/September 2024 that Rockville was creating one but to use the Montgomery County DHCA Single Family Lease in the meantime as Rockville had not yet completed its lease. If the Rockville-approved lease agreement has been finalized, where may I find a copy? Thank you! on Linkedin Email What is the status of the City of Rockville's sample lease agreement? I was told in August/September 2024 that Rockville was creating one but to use the Montgomery County DHCA Single Family Lease in the meantime as Rockville had not yet completed its lease. If the Rockville-approved lease agreement has been finalized, where may I find a copy? Thank you! link

    What is the status of the City of Rockville's sample lease agreement? I was told in August/September 2024 that Rockville was creating one but to use the Montgomery County DHCA Single Family Lease in the meantime as Rockville had not yet completed its lease. If the Rockville-approved lease agreement has been finalized, where may I find a copy? Thank you!

    Rock2025 asked 3 months ago

    The City of Rockville is unable to provide a sample lease agreement, per the guidance of the City Attorney. However, we encourage landlords to use the City of Rockville lease addendum.

Page last updated: 09 Jul 2026, 09:51 AM