Landlord-Tenant Code Rewrite

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Fact Sheet and Feedback Survey
Read the fact sheet to learn more about the changes proposed to the landlord-tenant code. After, fill out the feedback survey to let us know what you think!

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 is seeking to ensure that renters have safe, healthy housing that meets their families' needs. With that goal in mind, Rockville is comprehensively reviewing its Landlord-Tenant Code (Chapter 18 – Rental Facilities and Landlord-Tenant Relations) and wants to hear 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.

Fact Sheet and Feedback Survey
Read the fact sheet to learn more about the changes proposed to the landlord-tenant code. After, fill out the feedback survey to let us know what you think!

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 is seeking to ensure that renters have safe, healthy housing that meets their families' needs. With that goal in mind, Rockville is comprehensively reviewing its Landlord-Tenant Code (Chapter 18 – Rental Facilities and Landlord-Tenant Relations) and wants to hear 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 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 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 5 days 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 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 5 days 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 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 6 days 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: 17 Apr 2026, 07:30 AM