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The Next Key Brief

Insights for DMV rental property owners.

Practical guidance on property management, compliance, market trends, and long-term ownership strategy — written for owners in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

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Compliance

What Maryland Landlords Need to Know About the 2024 Tenant Protection Act

Recent updates to Maryland's landlord-tenant law have changed notice requirements, security deposit rules, and eviction timelines. Here's what rental property owners need to update before their next lease renewal.

NK
Next Key Team
March 18, 2025 · 6 min read
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Latest from The Next Key Brief

Market Trends

Rental Market Update: Spring 2025 Trends in Charles County & PG County

Vacancy rates, average rents, and days-on-market data for Q1 2025 across our core service areas.

April 2, 2025 · 4 min read
Compliance

D.C. Rent Control: What Exemptions Apply to Your Investment Property?

Not all D.C. rental properties are subject to rent control. Here's how to determine if yours qualifies for an exemption.

March 5, 2025 · 7 min read
Maintenance

The 5 Maintenance Issues That Cost Landlords the Most (and How to Prevent Them)

From deferred HVAC service to ignored moisture issues — the preventable repairs that drain landlord cash flow year after year.

February 20, 2025 · 5 min read
Tenant Relations

How to Screen Tenants Effectively Without Violating Fair Housing Law

A practical guide to consistent, documented tenant screening that protects your property and keeps you legally protected.

February 5, 2025 · 8 min read
Investor Strategy

When to Raise Rent — and How to Do It Without Losing a Good Tenant

The right time to adjust rent, how much to increase it, and how to communicate the change in a way that retains long-term tenants.

January 22, 2025 · 5 min read
Ownership

Self-Managing vs. Hiring a Property Manager: A Realistic Cost Comparison

Beyond the management fee — the hidden time costs, vacancy losses, and compliance risks of going it alone vs. hiring a professional.

January 8, 2025 · 6 min read
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