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.