Metropolitan Renovation

Unit renovations will be performed in phases where units will be divided into vertical subsections or Tiers, by riser locations and will be conducted in seven (7) phases with multiple Tiers in each phase. The renovation will begin in the Tiers with units that end in 33 and 32 and will continue to rotate through the building with staggering starting and completion dates.

Each phase of work will consist of the renovation of approximately 44 units and will last about 90 days. You will be notified in writing of your anticipated move date at least ninety (90) days before your required move date and you will be provided with a 30-day notice that will include your temporary unit address. HOC’s Relocation Coordinator will provide additional information about preparing for your move and your scheduled move date. Given the schedule delays we cannot provide an updated timeline, but will provide all information directly to residents when it is available.

Unit renovations will take approximately 90 days for each phase and the work is expected to be comprised of 7 phases. As a result, renovations to both units and common areas are expected to span roughly 670 days in total. Please note that this timeline is an estimate and may be affected by factors beyond our control.

Please contact the General Manager for The Metropolitan at your earliest convenience with details about any issues. Contact information is provided below:

Leonard Stewart
General Manager
The Metropolitan
301.652.1555
metropolitan@bozzuto.com

Mailboxes will be accessible at all times. Temporary mailboxes may be setup while the mailroom is undergoing renovations.

The renovation will include new kitchens fitted with new Energy Star rated appliances, new cabinets and countertops, renovated bathrooms with new fixtures and low flow toilets, new flooring suitable for residents with any range of mobility impairment, and new energy-efficient and modernized lighting.

Building exterior and common area renovations will include new and upgraded lighting, windows and doors and improvements in all common areas and amenity spaces (new furniture, flooring, finishes, fixtures and paint).

Each phase of the renovation will be confined to specific areas of the building at a time. This plan will limit the proximity of the contractors to residents of other occupied units. In addition, contractors will do a daily cleaning of the jobsite and any common areas that may affect the residents and staff.

Please feel free to contact your General Manager:

Leonard Stewart
General Manager
The Metropolitan
301.652.1555
metropolitan@bozzuto.com

Approved reasonable accommodation unit requirements will be addressed during construction. Please be sure that Property Management is aware of any approved Reasonable Accommodations. Property Management/HOC will attempt to move you to a temporary unit that meets the requirements of your approved reasonable accommodation. If an appropriate temporary unit is not available and if the modifications to the temporary unit present an undue burden, Property Management/HOC will engage with you through the interactive process to determine how to best meet your needs.

The Metropolitan will be enrolled in a new Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program because the existing Tax Credit Program has ended. In order to comply with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program requirements, all residents currently in the LIHTC Program must complete a current eligibility certification packet to determine ongoing eligibility for the program.

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.

Residents in affordable units: Rents will remain unchanged throughout their current lease term. Annual rent increase amounts will remain subject to Montgomery County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) Voluntary Rent Guidelines (VRG).

All other residents:Rents will remain unchanged throughout their current lease term. HOC has submitted an application with DHCA for an exemption to Montgomery County’s Rent Stabilization requirements that will allow a rent increase due to the extensive renovations. If the exemption application is approved, the new renovated rent will take effect at the next renewal period once you are moved back into a renovated unit. At this time, the renovated rent amounts are unknown but could increase to a market rent in a range of 10 – 20% over current market rents.

Yes, you will continue to pay your rent as you currently do according to your lease. Residents who temporarily transfer to a smaller bedroom size unit during the renovation period will receive a concession for the difference in the rent for the smaller unit for the actual days that they are in the temporary unit. Residents who stay with friends or family during the renovation period will receive a concession for the actual days that they are out of their unit.

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. The Metropolitan Property Management staff, in coordination with HOC, 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 General 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. The Metropolitan Property Management team 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 General Manager for reimbursement.

Staff will be available as needed to assist with coordinating the transfer of telephone, cable and internet service.

You do not have to change your address while you are residing in a temporary unit. You can continue to pick up your mail in the same mailbox. If you permanently move to a different unit with a new address, you will need to submit a Change of Address with the United States Postal Service.

The Metropolitan Property Management team will provide boxes and all packing supplies required for your move. Once your tentative move date is determined, HOC’s Relocation Coordinator will do an assessment of your unit and schedule the delivery of boxes and packing supplies. If additional moving supplies are needed, you can contact The Metropolitan General Manager and additional supplies can be delivered to you prior to your move.

Packing assistance will be provided when requested for elderly and disabled residents. Please contact your General Manager prior to your move date to request packing assistance.

Residents will not have to pay any costs associated with their temporary or permanent moves onsite or temporarily to offsite units for renovation. HOC has several licensed and bonded moving companies under contract and HOC will coordinate and pay for all moves and packing supplies required for the moves.

All of HOC’s contracted moving companies are fully licensed and insured. Their storage facilities are climate controlled.

Questions regarding moving can be directed to your Community Manager who will work with the Relocation Coordinator and the project team to provide additional information as needed.

To be clear, you will not be required to permanently move from The Metropolitan because of the proposed work.

Per Montgomery County regulations, you may be entitled to relocation assistance if you decide to vacate your unit permanently.

Pursuant to Chapter 53A of the Montgomery County Code and executive regulations enforcing Chapter 53A, you are eligible for relocation assistance from the owner of The Metropolitan.

You are entitled to a payment by the owner in an amount equal to two (2) months’ rent if:

1. you agree to move out of your rental housing within 180 days after you receive the Notice of Conversion; and
2. you are current with rent at the time the relocation assistance is paid to you.

The Notice of Conversion was sent to all residents residing at The Metropolitan on February 14, 2025. The 180-day period of eligibility has now expired and you are no longer eligible for a Relocation Assistance Payment if you voluntarily choose to permanently vacate your unit.

*Please note this does not apply to residents who moved into the property after the Notice of Conversion*