City of Takoma Park: Department of Housing and Community Development Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Law Most tenants residing in Takoma Park must be given the first opportunity to purchase the rental property in which they live, if the property is being sold. This notice should be given within 7 days of the date that the property is put on the market and within 7 days after every third party contract. The only two exceptions to this are: 1. if the tenant resides in an "accessory apartment", which is defined as a second or third rental unit either in or added to an existing owner-occupied one family residence located in a single family zone (Mont. Co.) or in a separate accessory structure on the same lot as an owner-occupied one family residence used as a complete independent living facility (PG Co.) or; 2. if a tenant resides in a single family house or dwelling containing less than five rental units and it is being sold to a family member. The notice to a tenant regarding the sale of the property must be in writing and be sent by first class mail or personally delivered and should include the following information: - the asking price and material terms of the sale, - a statement that the tenant has the right to purchase, - a statement as to whether a third party contract exists. If one exists, a copy of the contract must be attached to the written offer, - a statement that the owner will make available to the tenant or tenant assoc. within 7 days of receiving a written request for the information: floor plan of the building, itemized list of monthly operating expenses, most recent rent report, list of tenants and list of vacant apts. and - the name and address of the party that the tenant must contact to pursue purchase. For rental facilities with 2-4 units, tenants may respond jointly or individually to an offer of sale. For facilities with 5 or more units, interest must be expressed through a tenants association which represents at least one third of the occupied rental units. (Please see other side for time lines on response deadlines) Anyone believing that their rights under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Law have been violated may contact the Office on Landlord Tenant Affairs at (301) 270-5900 for follow up and may then seek remedy through a civil action filed with a court of competent jurisdiction if compliance is not attained.