Rockville Residents Demand Rent Stabilization Amid Skyrocketing Housing Costs

Rockville residents are calling for urgent action on rent stabilization as the city grapples with rising housing costs. During the Mayor and Council meeting on July 21, 2025, several community members voiced their concerns about the impact of exorbitant rent increases on renters, emphasizing that housing is a fundamental human right.

Michelle Shen, a resident of the King Farm neighborhood, passionately advocated for rent stabilization, arguing that many landlords prioritize profit over the well-being of tenants. "Almost half of your constituents are renters, and we are getting sucked dry by landlords who only care about the bottom line," she stated. Shen highlighted the distress caused by evictions and the potential for increased homelessness, urging the council to consider the voices of the community over profit-driven interests.

Alma Thompson shared her personal experience of being forced to leave Rockville due to a significant rent hike, expressing her desire for the city to implement measures that would protect renters. "I wish I had been able to remain grounded in the city as a member of its community," she lamented, calling for the council to give serious consideration to rent stabilization proposals.

Jacqueline Duran, another renter, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing her fear of being priced out of her home. She noted the anxiety many renters feel about the rising costs of living in Rockville, which she described as already more expensive than other places she has lived.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing concern among residents about housing affordability in Rockville. As the council considers the future of rent stabilization, the voices of the community are becoming increasingly prominent, urging leaders to prioritize the needs of renters in their decision-making processes. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the city's housing landscape and the well-being of its residents.