Howard County requires new housing communities to set aside a portion of units to be rented or sold as Moderate Income Housing Units (MIHUs). Rental MIHUs are affordable to households making less than 60% of the county’s median income—people who earn too much to qualify for federal housing assistance, but not enough to afford market-rate homes.

While MIHU for-sale homes help some families take the step into homeownership, rental MIHUs meet a different, and sometimes more urgent, need. Rental housing supports households with lower incomes—workers in service jobs, entry-level positions, young adults just starting out, and older adults on fixed incomes. It is important to offer a variety of housing types, at different rent levels and sale prices, to provide opportunities for residents of any age and income level.

According to the 2024 Rental Housing Survey, over 19,000 renter households in Howard County earn less than $100,000—making them eligible for rent-restricted units, including MIHUs. Yet, there are only about 3,500 rent-restricted units available, meaning most eligible households face a highly competitive market for affordable homes.

Despite limited inventory, MIHU rentals are spread across the county, offering safe, affordable homes in both family and senior-focused communities. Larger apartment complexes like The Refinery (250 units) and Residences at Annapolis Junction (416 units) offer residents access to top-rated schools, jobs, and transit. Senior communities, such as Alta at Regency Crest (150 units) and Parkview at Emerson (80 units), provide stability and support for older residents who might otherwise be priced out of the housing market.