City of Takoma Park: Department of Housing and Community Development Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs (COLTA) The Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs ("COLTA") is a quasi-judicial body which was created by the Takoma Park City Council to hear landlord-tenant disputes. COLTA issues written decisions in accordance with the provisions of the City's Landlord-Tenant Relations Law (Chapter 6, Article 7 of the Takoma Park Code) on a variety of claims including defective tenancy, security deposits, illegal entry and reduction of service. Formal complaints are filed with the Office on Landlord-Tenant Services ("Landlord-Tenant Services"). Complaints are heard by COLTA only after parties exhaust the avenues of redress offered through Landlord-Tenant Services. Another important aspect of COLTA's mandate is to render decisions on rent increase petitions filed by landlords seeking to charge rents above the City's maximum legal rent level. Administrative functions for COLTA are carried out by its Executive Director and Rents Analyst. COLTA is an independent body distinct from Landlord-Tenant Services but there is coordination between the Executive Director and Landlord-Tenant Services for the transfer of unresolved disputes. For more information on filing a formal complaint, please contact Landlord-Tenant Services at 270-5900; for information on filing a rent increase petition, please contact COLTA at the same number.