Rent control laws limit the amount a landlord can increase rents on existing tenants. Most states have laws that prohibit local governments from enacting rent control measures. But over 180 municipalities in the United States have rent control measures—and all of them are located in California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.
The state of Oregon has a statewide rent control law that limits annual rent increases to 7% plus the increase in the consumer price index.
In Maryland, rent control laws are not implemented at the state level, but local jurisdictions have the authority to enact their own rent control measures. One notable example is Takoma Park, a city in Montgomery County, which has its own rent control system in place. This system limits the amount by which landlords can increase rent for existing tenants. The specifics of rent control ordinances can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another, reflecting local housing market conditions and policy decisions. Landlords in areas with rent control must comply with these local regulations, which typically dictate the maximum allowable rent increase percentage, the frequency of rent increases, and the conditions under which a landlord can raise rents. It's important for both tenants and landlords to be aware of and understand the local rent control laws that may apply to their rental agreements.