Takoma Park proposes new regulations on apartment fees

The City of Takoma Park is seeking to regulate the application of new fees and fee hikes on apartment leases. An administrative regulation that could take effect January 15, 2025 would prevent the creation of new fees for services or amenities that were previously included within the monthly rent payment. Existing itemized fees could still be charged, but could not be raised. See the draft regulation for the full list of proposed changes. Written comments on the proposed regulation should be submitted to the City Clerk at: clerk@takomaparkmd.gov. The deadline for receipt of public comments is Monday, December 30, 2024.

City of Takoma Park to host tenant forum on May 21

The City of Takoma Park will host its first-ever Tenant Forum on May 21, 2024 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the Takoma Park Community Center at 7500 Maple Avenue. Hosted by the City Housing Department, it will be held in the auditorium of the center. Topics that will be discussed are tenant laws, eviction protection, potential new policies covering rental housing, and tenant resources. On a related note, beginning July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the City of Takoma Park Rent Stabilization Allowance is 3.4%. Landlords are required to comply with Takoma Park’s Rent Stabilization law and cannot increase the rent on occupied units any higher than this allowance.

JBG Smith helps preserve affordable housing in Takoma Park

Bethesda-based real estate developer JBG Smith says it has exceeded its goal for preserving affordable housing in the region with its latest initiative in Takoma Park. JBG Smith provided $6 million in mezzanine financing to Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) for the refinancing of the Franklin Apartments, a 185-unit age-restricted housing community at 7620 Maple Avenue. The property then obtained a new $26.2 million Freddie Mac loan from Key Bank, along with an extension of an existing $3.75 million soft loan from Montgomery County. 

"The Franklin Apartments investment is a perfect example of what we sought to accomplish when we created the Impact Pool," JBG Smith EVP of Social Impact Investing A.J. Jackson said in a statement. "Montgomery County is projected to lose up to 11,000 naturally occurring affordable housing units by 2030. Our collaboration with a non-profit owner, dedicated to the property’s preservation, will provide residents with the ability to age in-place in a resource rich neighborhood of Montgomery County," Jackson said.

JBG Smith formed the Impact Pool in partnership with the Federal City Council in 2020 with the goal of preserving 3000 affordable housing units in the region by 2025. The Franklin Apartments deal has now allowed the company to exceed that target, and it has funds left to go even further.

Photo courtesy JBG Smith

Essex House residents complain to Takoma Park Mayor and Council

A group of residents of the Essex House apartment building at 7777 Maple Avenue in Takoma Park turned out at last night's Mayor and Council meeting to implore officials to address a litany of complaints they have. Several tenants who spoke cited exorbitant rent increases, broken-down elevators, pests, mold, uncleaned swimming facilities, and windows that haven't been cleaned in "years."

Two residents told officials that there is drug use in the hallways and stairwells of the building, and asked for police to patrol inside the common areas. One resident said she and her fellow tenants are also being gouged by the single cable TV provider in the building.

Councilmembers Jarrett Smith, Terry Seamens and Fred Schultz praised residents for coming in to speak, all saying that the physical turnout will help them muster the assistance to address these and other issues, as opposed to officials simply repeating what they have heard in private conversations or emails. They did not address any of the specific allegations made at the meeting, however.

Several tenants stressed that they very much want to stay at Essex House, if the rent can be kept within their reach, and if other issues can be resolved.