The Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) handles virtually all types of complaints involving automobiles: sales, repairs, leasing, rentals, warranties, towing, etc. While we are not empowered to enforce Maryland's Lemon Law, we have been able to assist many owners of problem new cars in getting their cars repaired or replaced. Two of OCP's automotive investigators are certified master automotive technicians who are competent in dealing with technical repair issues. When filing your complaint, please include sale or lease contracts, repair invoices, rental contracts, warranty documents or towing invoices as appropriate.

Retail Sales & Service Complaints

OCP handles complaints involving general products or services which consumers purchase or have repaired. Examples of these types of complaints include: computer hardware and software; televisions; stereo equipment; clothing; household appliances and furniture; health spa memberships; driving schools; vocational schools; mail orders; telemarketing and moving companies. When filing your complaint, please include receipts, invoices, warranty documents, contracts or letters written to/from the merchant as appropriate.

New Home Sales and Home Improvement Complaints

OCP's Real Property Unit investigates complaints involving new home builders as well as home improvement complaints. Montgomery County Code Chapter 31C requires a new home builder to be licensed before entering into a contract to construct a new home and to provide the new home purchaser with a warranty. This warranty must cover against defects in materials and workmanship. Any builder who fails to comply with this law is subject to a civil fine and other enforcement action. New home buyers are also entitled to an inspection of the home before going to settlement. When filing a new home complaint, please include a copy of the entire sales contract including any warranty information provided by the builder. When filing a home improvement complaint please include copies of any invoices or contracts.

Filing a Complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection

If you would like to file a complaint with Consumer Protection, please download this form (Adobe PDF file-English only) or download this form (Adobe PDF file--English/Spanish), complete it and mail the complaint form and copies of all related documentation (such as invoices, receipts or correspondence) to:

Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection
100 Maryland Ave., Suite 330
Rockville, MD 20850
Attn: New Complaint Department

(Note: To view an Adobe PDF file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the file. You can obtain one for FREE from Adobe Systems Incorporated. Download Acrobat Reader).

Upon receiving a written complaint and necessary documentation, OCP investigators will contact the merchant and attempt to mediate a resolution. The consumer will be kept informed of the progress of the case and participate in negotiating a settlement. Cases are also reviewed for a pattern of deceptive business practices and OCP may take legal action to correct these practices if appropriate.