If you are at risk of homelessness, please contact the City of Gaithersburg’s Homeless Services Division directly at 301-258-6390, 24/7, or WellsRobertson@gaithersburgmd.gov.

If you have a question or concern about your Housing Voucher, you must contact the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) at www.hocmc.org or call 240-627-9400.

 

The Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD) maintains comprehensive housing policies and programs that provide fair, affordable options in homeownership and rental opportunities. Housing programs administered by the City include inclusionary housing (MPDUs and WFHUs) and offering City loans to multifamily properties to help preserve affordable housing, while enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. The HCD also oversees closing cost and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in the form of deferred loans, emergency rental and utility assistance to low- and moderate-income rental households, and a homeowner repair program offering critical repairs for eligible homeowners. 

City residents seeking rental and utility assistance should contact the City’s Community Services Division at 301-258-6395, or by email at communityservices@gaithersburgmd.gov. Information on the other programs is featured below.

Affordable Home Purchase Program

Potential homebuyers can buy a home in the City of Gaithersburg at a more affordable price, compared with homes priced at market rates. Homes are offered to first-time homebuyers who have a moderate level of household income.  

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

The goals of the CDBG Program are to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low-and moderate-income persons. The City uses CDBG funding for eviction prevention, first-time homebuyers down payment assistance, and the homeowner repair program.

Gaithersburg Downpayment Assistance Program (DPA)

The City currently has closing cost & down payment funding available for eligible first-time homebuyers. Pre-applications are required.

Homeowner Repair Program

The City of Gaithersburg has partnered with Rebuilding Together Montgomery County to provide free home repair services to income-eligible City residents. If you live in the City of Gaithersburg, meet the income requirements, and own a home, you may qualify.

Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Program (MPDUs) and Work Force Housing Units (WFHUs)

The City of Gaithersburg requires that new developments of 20 or more rental or purchase units, set aside 15% as moderately priced. To apply for a MPDU or WFHU unit, you must apply directly with the property. Do not submit applications to the City of Gaithersburg.

Multifamily Investment Loans

The Multifamily Investment Loan (MIL) program offers multifamily properties within the corporate limits of the City loans to preserve affordable housing, while enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. Loans are available up to $250,000.

Additional Housing Resources 

There are additional ways to look for an apartment, house or room to rent. There are a number of additional resources throughout the City and Montgomery County. 

Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

The City of Gaithersburg, in participation with member jurisdictions of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), completed the Analysis of Impediment – Fair Housing Plan (AI) in summer 2023. The AI is a region-wide, comprehensive analysis that documents, based primarily on census data, the region’s population and its varying ability to access the primary resources needed to live a successful, sustainable life. The AI includes goals and strategies, focused on housing strategies to address disparities and impediments to fair housing.

 

Division of Neighborhood Services

The Division of Housing works closely with the Neighborhood Services Division. The Neighborhood Services Team is responsible for administering and enforcing a wide variety of City Codes regarding property maintenance, public nuisances, rental housing, landlord-tenant relations, vendors, and home-based businesses.

  • Landlord-Tenant Affairs
    In addition to providing information about the law, the Neighborhood Services Staff is charged with mediating landlord-tenant disputes relating to properties in the City.

  • Rental Housing
    All rental properties (including apartments and single-family dwellings) must be licensed every two years. Prior to issuing the final rental license, staff conducts a complete interior and exterior inspection to ensure the dwelling is safe and in compliance with all applicable housing codes.

  • Hoarding Code Violation Assistance Program
    The City of Gaithersburg provides financial assistance for organizing services to eligible residents who are at risk of eviction or condemnation because of hoarding-related code violations.

For more contact, please contact the Neighborhood Services staff directly at 301-258-6340 or neighborhoods@gaithersburgmd.gov.