Building Renter Power in the City of Rockville

Rockville Renters United
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Rockville Renters United has yard signs for residents to show their support for passing rent stabilization in the City of Rockville. Order a sign using this form.

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Empowering Our Community One Rockville Renter at a Time

Welcome to a movement that’s transforming Rockville into a leading city that supports renters and creates community solidarity. Here in Rockville, we’re not just tenants; we are neighbors, families, and advocates ready to stand up for our homes and our rights.

Join us in building renter power and be part of a dynamic change that ensures everyone has a safe, affordable, stable place to call home.

Know Your Rights

Did you know that your landlord must notify you and the City of Rockville 90 days in advance of any rent increase? Read up on your rights as a Rockville tenant.

Add Your Name

While our Montgomery County neighbors have new protections against predatory rent increases, Rockville residents remain at risk. Add your name to support rent stabilization legislation in Rockville!

Get Involved

Our movement is based on hundreds of volunteers giving what they can, when they can. Can you help us knock doors, design fliers, or translate resources?

Who We Are

Rockville Renters United is a city-wide, grassroots, tenant-led organization dedicated to securing healthy, stable, affordable, and dignified housing for all residents of Rockville. We strive to enact community-centric housing policies that strengthen our neighborhoods and care for our neighbors. We are supported in this vision by a broad coalition of homeowners, supportive landlords, religious institutions, organized labor, civil rights organizations, and grassroots advocacy organizations who believe that a strong, safe, and healthy community values people above all else.

Our Mission Statement

Rockville Renters United is dedicated to the organization of Rockville residents that empowers them to secure safer and more stable rental housing and, through collective action, secures city-wide, community-centric housing policies that makes Rockville a national model of housing justice.

We Believe

  1. 1. That the strongest communities value the well being of people above all else.
  2. 2. That housing is a human right.
  3. 3. That housing injustice disproportionately harms those in our community who are most at risk of harm in society; namely people of color, immigrants, seniors, the LGBTQ community, those with disabilities, the formerly incarcerated, and those with lower incomes.
  4. 4. That the creating new, diverse forms of housing is a key tactic in combating our housing crisis.
  5. 5. That unequal access to housing stems ultimately from systemic racial, economic, and cultural inequalities, and that these inequalities must be mended in our communities.
  6. 6. That tenants are foundational and valued members of our community and that we deserve a strong, collective voice in advocating for our needs and our homes.

Our Goals

  • 1. Making Rockville a national model of housing justice through organized tenant power and community support
  • 2. A robust tenant organization in every multifamily building and neighborhood that advocates for the needs of residents and aids those facing discrimination and disenfranchisement 
  • 3. A secure, stable, healthy, and affordable home for every resident of Rockville
  • 4. The elimination of homelessness in our city through accessible affordable housing and housing first policies
  • 5. The treatment of housing as, first and foremost, a human need and right
  • 6. The elimination of evictions in our city

Our Policy Proposals

  1. 1. The passage of a robust, community-centric rent stabilization policy that caps rent increases to a reasonable level 
  2. 2. The passage of a good cause eviction bill that ends retaliatory, constructive, and de facto evictions
  3. 3. The passage of a ban on rental pricing algorithms
  4. 4. The passage of a right of first refusal bill for tenants
  5. 5. The expansion of community-centric, affordable housing development and assistance programs that help those in need before they face eviction while preventing the displacement of current community members

What is Rent Stabilization?

Rent stabilization is a policy designed to protect tenants from sudden and unreasonable rent hikes. It ensures that rent increases are gradual and predictable, allowing families to budget and plan for their future. It also provides landlords a fair return. This policy isn’t just about keeping rent affordable; it’s about creating stability and security for our community.

Learn more about rent stabilization in our factsheet: Rent Stabilization: The Missing Piece of Rockville’s Housing Strategy

Rent Stabilization is the Status Quo Protection

Rent Stabilization is the standard cost protection for renters within our regional housing market. The following areas have passed versions of rent stabilization:

Montgomery County

EXCLUDES municipalities of Rockville and Gaithersburg

Takoma Park

Prince George's County

Washington, D.C.

Why Rockville Needs Rent Stabilization

Affordability

With rent stabilization, families can afford to stay in their homes without sacrificing essentials like food and medicine.

Stability

Predictable rent increases mean families won’t be blindsided by sudden hikes, reducing the risk of displacement.

Community

Stable housing allows residents to build lasting relationships with their neighbors, fostering a stronger, more connected community.

Our Journey

Our journey toward rent stabilization has been one of determination and resilience. We sent hundreds of emails to the Mayor and Council, testified in person, rallied at City Mayor and Council meetings, and gathered hundreds of signatures in support of our cause. Each step brings us closer to a Rockville where everyone has a fair chance at a secure home.

On July 8, 2024, we faced a critical moment in our fight for renter rights. After hearing the heartfelt testimonies of hundreds of renters, the Mayor and Councilmembers (CM) cast their votes to move forward with a rent stabilization policy. Here’s how they voted:

Voted FOR Rent Stabilization

CM Izola (Zola) Shaw
CM David Myles

THEY CHOSE COMMUNITY OVER DEVELOPERS

 

M

Voted AGAINST Rent Stabilization

Mayor Monique Ashton
CM Adam Van Grack
CM Marissa Valeri
CM Barry Jackson
CM Kate Fulton

THEY CHOSE DEVELOPERS OVER COMMUNITY

On July 21st, 2025- after a year of grassroots organizing- the council not only voted rent stabilization down again the the same 5-2 vote, but went further by banning the issue from further discussion and blocked city staff from any research on the topic.

But the voice of the community has remained strong. We continue to organize and continue to fight for our neighbors. Our voices will be heard.

United for Rent Stabilization

Over 20 organizations signed on to the letter to the Mayor & Council, each dedicated to supporting our community’s renters and advocating for fair and stable housing policies. The letter represents a unified voice from diverse organizations that believe in the importance of rent stabilization to protect our community members from unregulated rent increases. These organizations are committed to ensuring that Rockville’s residents have access to stable and affordable housing. Read the Letter >

The Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP expressed their support for the enactment of rent stabilization measures for rental housing in the City of
Rockville. Read the Letter >

Let's Make History Together

Join us in this vital movement. Stand with us, fight with us, and let’s make Rockville a model of renter power and housing justice for all.