Important things to know as a Tenant:

• A landlord can never change the locks, cut utilities, or remove your belongings without a court order and a Sheriff present.
  • If a landlord attempts to physically evict you without a court order, you can call the Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.
  • If you have received a judgment against you or a "Notice to Tenant of Pending Eviction" notice from the Sheriff, please call 311 or 240-777-0311 for assistance.
• For more information as a renter on how to work with your landlord and additional information on how to avoid eviction in Montgomery County, please access the following links: 
  • ENGLISH:
    • Montgomery County – Landlords must now notified tenants at least fourteen (14) days before the eviction. Tenants must receive the “Notice to Tenant of Pending Eviction - Eviction Process and Renters
    • City of Gaithersburg – Landlords must give six (6) days written notice before the eviction. Maryland’s Updated Eviction Law HB 767 | Gaithersburg, MD
    • City of Rockville – Landlords must give fourteen (14) days notice
  • SPANISH: Condado de Montgomery - Evitando el Desalojo y Trabajando con los Propietarios
• A landlord can increase rent but must have given a written 90-day notice.
  • Amount of Allowable Landlord Rent Increase
  • Montgomery County maximum rent increase 5.2%
• All utility companies must notify customers 45 days before services are terminated. Also, these companies are required by law to offer a payment plan. 
• For additional questions or if you need help, call 311 or LEDC at 202-688-5786. 

Landlord-tenant court. Please read these updates carefully:

• Failure to appear in court may result in a default eviction order. Bring all relevant documentation with you.
• In Maryland:
  • Call 311 or 240-777-0311 and ask for Housing Stabilization Services . 
  • If you have a current hearing notice from the District Court, a Court Judgement, or a notice from the Sheriff's office for eviction call LEDC at 202-688-5786. Review your options.   
• If you already applied for rental assistance, send an update about court status to get priority. Send an email to: [email protected] with your rent application case number and a copy or photo of your court summons or judgment (Notice to Tenant of Pending Eviction). If you applied for Rent Relief assistance, send an email to [email protected] with your rent application case number and a copy of the eviction decision or notice. The rent relief application will qualify for priority on the basis of facing eviction. You may also call LEDC to have one of our counselors help you update your court status at 202-688-5786.
• If you are able to pay the amount owed you can give that payment to your landlord and they must accept it and cancel the eviction process if rent is brought current.  
• Remember that you cannot be forced to leave your apartment without a court order and the presence of the Sheriff. If you have questions about a notice from your landlord, call 311 (240-777-0311), Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• • 1. Call LEDC at 202-688-5786 or email us at [email protected].  
    2. Watch informational videos to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as tenant.

If you have a housing issue, below are some FREE resources:

Montgomery County Residents:

• LEDC Housing Hotline: (202) 540-7438
• Montgomery County Pro Bono Program: (301) 424-7651
• Montgomery County Legal Aid: (240) 314-0373
• Montgomery County Customer Service Center: Dial 311

All Maryland

• Maryland District Court Self-Help Center: (410) 260-1392)
• Public Justice Center: (410) 625-9409

Baltimore City and County

• LEDC Counselors: (410) 929-2894 and (410) 634-7655
• Baltimore City – Civil Justice Center (410) 625-9409

For updated information and links to the Courts and other organizations, go to:

• English: www.peoples-law.org