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Tenants urge Gaithersburg to adopt rent stabilization; council hears public pleas
Summary
Several tenant organizers and residents told the mayor and council that rising rents and housing conditions are forcing longtime residents out and urged the city to adopt rent stabilization like Montgomery County. Council and a state senator discussed existing county authority and local steps but took no immediate vote.
Residents and tenant advocates told the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council at its Dec. 1 meeting that rising rents and housing conditions are pushing people out of the city and asked the council to adopt rent‑stabilization protections.
"Just 2 weeks ago, a gentleman at our tenant union meeting said he experienced a 35% increase of his rent," said Ali Jahz, a tenant organizer, describing repeated reports of broken heating and rodent infestations and urging the city to act. Casey Taper, a resident, said rent stabilization provides "stability" that allows teachers, nurses and service workers to remain in place and argued the policy does not halt development.
The comments came amid a string of public remarks from residents including Eric (a recent homebuyer) and David Mullins of the Gateway Tenants Association, who said Gaithersburg residents deserve the same protections available elsewhere in Montgomery County.
Why it matters: Montgomery County has a rent‑stabilization law that local advocates say reduced fees and improved housing conditions. Gaithersburg did not opt into the county rule, and speakers asked the council to reverse that decision or to adopt comparable local protections to limit abrupt rent increases.
Council and staff response: Mayor Ashman (name given later in the meeting) reminded residents that the city—s Neighborhood Services Office can inspect units for code violations and mediate landlord‑tenant issues, and he encouraged those experiencing health and safety problems to refer cases to staff for investigation. Senator Cheryl Kagan (District 17) told the council she supports municipal and county tenant protections and said COLTA — the county landlord‑tenant authority — "has the plenary authority to adjudicate unreasonable rent increases" and should use that authority and bring recommendations to councils and legislators.
Council members noted existing local tenant protections, including a prelease disclosure requirement introduced by Council Member Hernandez, quarterly updates on complaint activity, and earlier actions on early intervention to help residents avoid evictions. Staff and the senator said city funding can supplement federal CDBG programs where federal rules exclude some households.
No formal vote was taken on rent stabilization at the meeting. Council members and staff signaled continued interest in exploring options and in coordinating with county authorities and state legislators.
Ending: The council did not adopt a rent‑stabilization ordinance at the meeting; advocates said they will press the issue at future sessions and follow state and county developments.
