Housing
Purpose
Administration and management of rental housing licensing and property registration programs; oversight and compliance monitoring of the rent stabilization ordinance and City housing laws; administration of homeownership and rental housing programs; provision of technical and organizational assistance to tenant associations and landlord-tenant mediation; management of grants and activities; administration of community assistance programs; and monitoring of development projects.
After several years of planning and research, the City Council approved adopting the Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan.
The plan is designed to:
- Preserve existing businesses and affordable housing in Takoma Park, including in revitalizing areas;
- Produce more housing and opportunities for businesses to start and grow across the income spectrum and in neighborhoods across the City to meet diverse housing and economic needs;
- Protect renters, homeowners, and local businesses from discrimination and displacement; and protect our environment from destruction.
Featured Housing Services
Rental Housing
The Housing and Community Development Department monitors Takoma Park’s rental housing stock and ensures compliance with the City’s landlord-tenant laws.
Rent Stabilization
Takoma Park’s Rent Stabilization Law (City Code Chapter 6.20 Rent Stabilization) was first adopted in 1981 and is one of the City’s primary affordable housing programs. Although it has undergone a number of revisions since its adoption, the program is designed to preserve the city’s affordable housing stock and maintain economic and ethnic diversity by controlling the frequency and amount of rent increases that may be imposed by a landlord. Beginning July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, the Rent Stabilization Allowance is 3.7%.
Home Stretch Down Payment Assistance
The City of Takoma Park’s Down Payment Assistance Program, called The Home Stretch, provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and families seeking homeownership.
Partnerships
The City of Takoma Park has partnered with several organizations to expand affordable homeownership opportunities.
Quick Links
- Housing
- Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan
- Rental Housing Programs
- Home Stretch Down Payment Assistance
- Partnerships
- Tenant Opportunity to Purchase
- Grants
Emergency Rental Assistance
The City Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is designed to provide additional funding to residents who are at risk of homelessness due to financial difficulties. The program provides financial assistance to residents who are behind on rent and make 50% of the area median income.
Apply to the program by filling out the online application or by calling Housing and Community Development at 301-891-7119.
Utility Assistance Program
The City of Takoma Park Emergency Assistance program provides emergency financial assistance to homeowners facing a crisis related to utility payments. Residents making 50% of the area median income are able to apply for funding through the City.
You can apply to the program by filling out the online application or by calling Housing and Community Development at 301-891-7119.
Tenant Opportunity to Purchase
TENANT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE (Chapter 6.32) provides tenants with the right to purchase the rental facility where they live in the event is it is placed on the market for sale.
Housing Resources Guide
The Housing Department has put together a resource guide that
provides a variety of services and opportunities for Takoma Park residents. This Housing resources guide aims to demonstrate that community resources are readily available. The intent is to stimulate the development of an extended set of contacts at community agencies, specifically agencies, and providers who can meet the housing, legal services, utilities assistance, and social service needs.
Tenant Displacement Fact Sheet
The Housing Department has put together a fact sheet for both renters and landlords detailing important points to know about the Tenant Displacement process in Takoma Park.
