Proposed Measure Protects Tenants from Unlawful and Retaliatory Rent Increases and Eviction as Rent Stabilization Act of 2023 Takes Effect 

The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, presented Emergency Legislation concerning Landlord Retaliation for Rent Stabilization. CB-051-2023 declares certain actions by landlords as retaliation, including the termination of a lease to force a pre-existing tenant into a new lease, to avoid rent increase limitations established by the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023, which takes effect on April 17, 2023.  

CB-051-2023 prevents landlords from increasing rents over 3% for existing tenants (those with a valid lease prior to April 17^th), including landlords of senior housing properties subject to the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023.  The measure also prohibits the harassment, intimidation, and/or threat of tenants’ exercise of their legal rights. 

Council Member Krystal Oriadha (District 7), author of CB-051-2023 and the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023, says the People’s Council is committed to protecting renters from the actions of unprincipled landlords.

“Since the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023 passed, our office, and several other Council offices have been inundated with calls from renters whose landlords are using various methods to increase rents by hundreds of dollars. From residents living in senior facilities, to families who are being asked to sign renewal contracts months ahead, these actions are predatory and validate our concerns that a permanent solution is needed to stop bad actors from taking advantage of Prince Georgians. We hope this bill will help us close some of the loopholes while we continue to work towards a permanent solution.” 

On February 28^th, the County Council voted to support CB-007-2023, legislation establishing the Rent Stabilization Act of 2023. The measure, which becomes law on April 17, 2023, temporarily amends the Landlord-Tenant Code to limit landlords’ ability to increase rent for tenants above 3% over a 12-month period. Under the legislation, a landlord cannot increase rent above 3% for any tenant and cannot issue a notice of rent increase over 3% during the twelve months of the Rent Stabilization Act. 

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