The Montgomery County Council passed a package of legislation intended to strengthen protections for renters.

The Washington Post reports:

The bill, sponsored by council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large), would require annual county inspections of “problem” apartment buildings that generate numerous code violations. It also establishes a “repair and deduct” provision that under certain circumstances would allow tenants to fix problems and deduct the cost from their rent if landlords are slow to respond.

Landlords would have to offer tenants who renew their lease an option to stay for two years, and county housing officials would have to make apartment rents and other data they collect in an annual survey available to the public. The county’s housing director would report to the council each year on code citations issued and fines paid — broken out by specific landlords.

County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) is expected to sign the bill into law.

Read The Washington Post to learn more.