What's the maximum rent increase in Montgomery County, Maryland for July 2026 – June 2027?
5.2%
The maximum rent increase for rent-stabilized units in Montgomery County, Maryland is 5.2% from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
- In effect
- July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
- Next change
- July 1, 2027
- Set by
- Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) · County law
- Last checked
- October 17, 2026
The maximum annual rent increase allowance for rent-stabilized units, July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (CPI-U 2.2% + 3%).
How the Montgomery County cap is calculated
CPI-U + 3%, max 6%
CPI-U for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area + 3%, or a flat 6%, whichever is lower. Unused allowance is banked per unit, but any single increase (allowance + banked) may not exceed 10% of current rent.
Law: Rent Stabilization, County Code ch. 29 (§§ 29-57, 29-58).
Who it covers, and who's exempt
Covered
- Rent-stabilized units in the County; units in some municipalities (e.g. Takoma Park) follow local rules
Main exemptions & conditions
- Newly constructed units offered for rent for less than 23 years
- Units owned by a natural person (or a decedent's trust or estate) who owns 2 or fewer rental units in the County
- Units under a regulatory agreement (e.g. MPDU)
- Units substantially renovated within 23 years
- Certain nonprofit and licensed care facilities
Notice, and when it changes next
Notice: A written 90-day notice is required, delivered by US mail or in person with a signed receipt. Increases only once every 12 months and only at lease renewal or a new lease.
Next change: DHCA sets the next allowance for July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028.
Earlier figures
| Period | Allowed |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 5.7% (CPI-U 2.7%) |
| 2024 | 6% (CPI-U 3.3%) |
Official sources
“Maximum allowable rent increase is 5.2% These rates remain in effect until June 30, 2027.”
“a newly constructed unit that has been offered for rent for less than 23 years”
See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.
Frequently asked
What is the maximum rent increase in Montgomery County for July 2026 – June 2027?
The maximum rent increase for rent-stabilized units in Montgomery County, Maryland is 5.2% from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
How is the Montgomery County rent cap calculated?
CPI-U for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area + 3%, or a flat 6%, whichever is lower. Unused allowance is banked per unit, but any single increase (allowance + banked) may not exceed 10% of current rent.
Which rentals are exempt from the Montgomery County cap?
Newly constructed units offered for rent for less than 23 years. Units owned by a natural person (or a decedent's trust or estate) who owns 2 or fewer rental units in the County. Units under a regulatory agreement (e.g. MPDU).
When does the Montgomery County rent cap change next?
DHCA sets the next allowance for July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028.
Where does this Montgomery County figure come from?
From Montgomery County DHCA: “Rent Stabilization Increases and Limitations”, which we last checked on October 17, 2026. Always confirm with the agency before relying on it.