The City of Takoma Park proactively works with local landlords and tenants to protect the rights of both, while promoting the provision of quality, affordable rental housing in our community.

Local Housing Laws and Regulations

The Division of Landlord-Tenant Affairs is responsible for monitoring landlord and tenant compliance with the City’s Landlord-Tenant Relations, Rent Stabilization and Tenant Opportunity to Purchase laws. Most landlord-tenant complaints filed are regarding security deposit refunds, defective tenancy issues (repairs and violations of the lease), entry into a rental unit, illegal rent increases and notices to vacate.

• Takoma Park City Code - Title 6 Housing
• Rental Housing Licensing Requirements

Landlord - Tenant Complaints

Staff works with both parties to help resolve a complaint through a combination of mediation and conflict resolution. If a complaint cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the parties, the matter is referred to the Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs (COLTA) for an administrative hearing. A decision in the form of a written Opinion and Order is issued within one month of the hearing.

• Your COLTA Hearing: What to expect and how to prepare for your hearing (English)
• Your COLTA Hearing: What to expect and how to prepare for your hearing (Spanish)
• COLTA Case Summaries

Available Resources

In addition to addressing complaints, the staff in the Division of Landlord-Tenant Affairs responds to questions about the law, provides sample documents including a Takoma Park model lease form; sample tenant and landlord letters pertaining to notices to vacate, entry and requests for repair; and meets upon request with tenants, landlords and tenant associations to promote their understanding of their rights and responsibilities under Takoma Park’s law.

• Landlord Tenant Handbook (English)
• Landlord Tenant Handbook (Spanish)
• Model Lease Form (English)
• Model Lease Form (Spanish)
• Takoma Park Community Service Guide

Workshops and Seminar Opportunities

The City also sponsors regular workshops and seminars on “Knowing Your Rights as a Tenant in Takoma Park,” “First Time Home Buyer” and other housing related topics.

For More Information

To learn more about how the Division on Landlord-Tenant Affairs can assist you, please contact

• Affordable Housing Programs Linda Walker 301.891.7222
• Landlord-Tenant Relations Moses A. Wilds, Jr. 301.891.7215
• Rent Stabilization Jean Kerr 301.891.7216
• Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Linda Walker 301.891.7222
• Workshops and Seminars Linda Walker 301.891.7222