The Low Income Tax Credit Program is one of the federal government’s primary policy tools for encouraging the development and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing as it helps create affordable apartment communities with lower than market rents.

Staff is currently analyzing the potential rent increases due to the renovation of the The Metropolitan Apartments. However, HOC follows the Montgomery County Voluntary Rent Guidelines, which establish limits on guidelines regarding rent increases for existing residents (VGR Increase). If you stay in your unit or transfer to a comparable unit (e.g. same bedroom count, LIHTC or Market unit, etc.), your rent will not change and future rent increases will remain subject to the VRG.

Yes, you will continue to pay your rent as you currently do according to your lease.

Yes, you will continue paying electric utilities as you currently do. The property will continue to pay water, sewer, and trash removal expenses. You will continue to be responsible for non-essential utilities such as telephone, internet and cable service.

Please contact your Community Manager at the phone number or email address provided above.

During renovation, residents of units in each phase will be moved temporarily to vacant units elsewhere on the property, to other HOC properties in the area, or to an extended stay hotel only when a temporary unit is not available. HOC staff will work with each family to find the best temporary housing options to meet their needs.

Residents may choose to stay with family, friends or in an offsite location during the renovation of their unit. All furniture and personal belongings must be removed from the unit and they will be placed in storage with one of our moving companies. HOC will not coordinate the move of furniture or personal items to locations outside of the HOC provided temporary housing options. Please notify your Community Manager as soon as possible if you are choosing this option.

In most cases, residents will be able to return to their original unit following the renovations. When possible, residents may also choose to move one time to a renovated unit to avoid having to move two times – once to a temporary unit and then a return move back to the original unit.

Residents will sign a Temporary Occupancy Agreement for the temporary units and the original lease will remain in effect during the temporary relocation period.

You will not be required to pay the utility bills in your temporary unit during the renovations. However, you will need to maintain utility service and continue to pay the utility bills in your original unit during the renovation period. HOC will also reimburse you for any fees for relocating your telephone, cable and internet service to the temporary unit and your return to your original unit. You can submit a copy of your entire bill showing the relocation charges to your Community Manager for reimbursement.