COMCOR 29.30.01 Establishment of Contractual Obligations for Maintenance Costs in Single Family Rental Units
Chapter 29. Landlord-Tenant Relations - Regulations
Montgomery County, Md., COMCOR § 29.30.01.01 (2026)
29.30.01.01LinkCopy Citation
Leases for single family rental units may, after August 12, 1992, pursuant to Section 29-30(a)(3) of the Montgomery County Code, 1984, as amended, include a clause that transfers to the tenant the responsibility for maintenance expenses but not for replacement of or repairs to structural elements of the building, major appliances, or electrical , plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning systems. Should the tenant not handle the maintenance items at tenant's expense, the landlord may handle the maintenance items and charge the tenant for those actual expenses in accordance with this Executive Regulation.
Maintenance includes but is not limited to:
(a)
caulking bathtubs and sinks
(b)
changing HVAC filters, fuses, batteries and light bulbs
(c)
clearing gutters, window wells and drainage areas
(d)
cleaning chimneys, fireplaces and pools
(e)
cleaning appliances, carpets, floors, tubs, sinks, commodes and generally maintaining the rental unit, garage, shed and any other appurtenances provided as part of the occupancy of the rental unit
Major appliances include but are not limited to:
(a)
stoves and microwave ovens
(b)
refrigerators and freezers
(c)
garbage disposals and trash compactors
(d)
dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers
(e)
window a/c units, humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Structural elements are those elements within and attached to the building which include, but are not limited to:
(a)
roof framing members and system (rafters and trusses)
(b)
floor and ceiling system (joists; including decks)
(c)
bearing walls and partitions including such sheathing or other reinforcement necessary to provide rack-bracing
(d)
columns, lintels, girders and load bearing beams
(e)
foundation systems and footings
(f)
all interior stair-carriage systems
(g)
all necessary materials required for the joining, support, fastening or attachment of the above segments to themselves or one another
(h)
all components of the exterior building envelope designed to prevent infiltration of water into the structure (paint, shingles, siding, trims)
(i)
those exterior systems required to permit safe access to the structure including handrailings where required by code (steps, sidewalks and driveways)
As of the effective date of this Regulation, should the tenant not handle the maintenance items at tenant's expense, the landlord may charge up to a maximum of $50.00 in actual expenses per maintenance occurrence not to exceed a maximum of $250.00 per annual lease term.