People who rent homes and apartments in Rockville, Maryland, are asking city leaders to take action. Rent prices have gone up so much that many longtime residents can no longer afford to stay. These renters say their community is changing fast — and not in a good way. Some neighbors have already moved out, and others are scared they’ll have to leave next.
About 50% of Rockville’s population is renters, and many of them have shared their stories with local news reporters. They say rent increases are pushing people out of the city and breaking apart neighborhoods where people have lived for many years.
Joe Samuels, who leads the Rockville Tenant Association, has seen this happening where he lives. “The neighbors I have today are not the same people I had two years ago,” he said. “I’ve watched people move out of our apartment building. Some were even evicted because they just couldn’t afford the rent anymore.”
County Rent Limits Don’t Apply in Rockville
In July 2024, Montgomery County passed a law that limits how much rent can go up. The new rule says landlords can only raise rent by 6% per year, which has helped renters across the country. But Rockville is different because it has its own housing authority. That means the rent control law doesn’t apply there.
Many Rockville residents think this is unfair and are now asking their city government to adopt similar rent control measures. They want Rockville to protect renters just like the rest of Montgomery County.
“When rent goes up too high, it’s not just young people who are affected,” Samuels said. “It’s teachers, firefighters, paramedics — people who work hard to serve the community. If they can’t afford to live here, we lose the very people who help make Rockville a strong and safe place to live.”
Rent Hikes Are Hitting Seniors and Workers Hard
Some of the people who are most affected by the rising rent are senior citizens. Many of them live on fixed incomes, such as Social Security, and they don’t have the money to keep up with large rent increases.
Tom Matts, who leads the Huntington Tenant Association, said some apartment complexes in Rockville have raised rent by as much as 30%. That’s a huge jump in just a short time.
“I hate seeing my neighbors leave,” Matts said. “This is a great community, and it’s heartbreaking to see seniors and working families forced out just because they can’t afford the new rent prices.”
Even people with jobs are struggling. As of March 14, over 13,000 federal workers and contractors in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area had filed for unemployment. For those living in Rockville, this adds even more stress and uncertainty.
“We have renters here who work for the federal government,” Matts said. “Some of them are facing layoffs or reduced hours. On top of that, they don’t know if they’ll even be able to afford to stay in their homes.”
Rising Rent Could Hurt Rockville’s Diversity
Another concern many residents have is about how high rent prices could affect the diversity of the city. People from different backgrounds, cultures, and income levels have helped shape Rockville’s identity. But now, some say that identity is at risk.
Adams, one concerned resident, said, “I’m worried about what’s going to happen to the diversity in this area. When rent goes up too much, minority communities are often the first to be pushed out. I’ve seen it happen in other places.”
Support for renters is growing. Rockville Councilmember has spoken up in favor of rent control and says she’s proud of the residents who have been sharing their stories and speaking at City Hall.
“We’ve had hundreds of renters, landlords, and other residents come forward to share their experiences,” Shaw said. “They’re doing a great job letting their voices be heard. Now it’s time for the city to listen and act. Rockville should have the same protections as the rest of the county.”
Rent Control: Pros, Cons, and Finding Balance
Rent control can be a powerful way to help renters. The main goal is to make sure rent increases stay at a level that people can afford. This brings more stability for families, especially those with low or moderate incomes. It also helps people budget better because they know their rent won’t suddenly spike.
But rent control also comes with some downsides. Landlords might make less money, which could mean fewer repairs or upgrades to buildings. Over time, this could lead to homes and apartments not being as well maintained. Some landlords might even decide to stop renting altogether or sell their properties.
Another challenge is that rent control usually only applies to some units. That can cause uncontrolled units to become more expensive, as more people try to move into the few places left without rent caps.
Still, many renters in Rockville say something needs to be done. They’re not asking for free housing — just for fair rules that give them a chance to stay in their homes and keep their communities strong.
Joe Samuels put it simply: “The Rockville City Council needs to take this seriously and pass a law to protect renters. Without it, more people will be forced out, and this city will no longer be the place we all know and love.”