My Thoughts

I sincerely wrestled with the issue of rent stabilization since I was elected to the City Council last November. I studied the County’s bill after it was passed and have been following their progress toward implementation. I read every study I could find – pro, con, and everything in between. Like my colleagues, I attended briefings by City staff and read their reports carefully. I read the stories from renters who emailed us, listened when they spoke at Community Forum, or spoke to me in person. I listened to Rockville residents across the City who wanted to share their perspective on this topic. I can tell you, definitively and honestly, that I did not speak to a single landlord, property manager, or developer before the meeting on July 8, 2024.

The testimony from residents was most compelling to me – as it should be. Residents who just received notice of a rent increase that priced them out of their home feel real pain, sadness, and fear. They face real health concerns when their home has an issue with rodents, insects, or mold. They have sincere frustrations when faced with unresponsive property management, high electrical costs, or loss of power especially during a record breaking heat wave. Everyone deserves a safe, healthy place to live no matter what their income is.

The Montgomery County-passed rent stabilization law has been raised as the standard that we should strive for. However, I have concerns with it. By exempting buildings less than 23 years old, community members in need are relegated to the oldest buildings that are often concentrated to particular areas. Buildings that have been substantially renovated in the prior 23 years are completely exempt from the County’s law as long as they are in compliance with County building and housing code. This again relegates community members in need to, in theory, lower quality buildings. The County law also exempts accessory dwelling units as well as any rental unit owned by a landlord who owns 2 or fewer rental units within the County. These options are often integrated into market rate residential areas. Bottom line: I support housing solutions that integrate, not separate, renters from lower income brackets.

Due to the time and resources needed for implementation, a rent stabilization ordinance passed tomorrow would not help residents right now. That fact made me more determined than ever to work collaboratively with my colleagues on a quicker solution such as a revamped, targeted rent subsidy program. I am committed to collaborating with my colleagues to craft short- and long-term solutions that will spread affordable rental units across the City in quality, healthy buildings free from rent gouging.

I welcome your thoughts and concerns on this and any housing related issues. Please email me at mvaleri@rockvillemd.gov.

I believe that, together, we can bring the best possible policy to Rockville with a true vision of a future we can be proud of.