Navigating Rental Licensing Requirements in Maryland: A County-by-County Guide for Landlords

December 18, 2024 | Smart Home Inspects | Property Compliance

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

If you’re a landlord or property manager in Maryland, understanding rental licensing requirements is crucial for compliance and tenant safety. Maryland’s rental laws vary significantly by county and municipality, with some areas requiring specific licenses, inspections, and adherence to local guidelines before a property can be rented.

This guide provides an overview of rental licensing requirements across Maryland counties, links to resources for landlords, and insights into any additional inspections or guidelines you may need to follow.

Why Rental Licensing Matters

Rental licenses ensure that properties meet local safety, health, and maintenance standards, protecting both tenants and landlords. Operating without a required license can result in penalties, fines, and even legal disputes. It’s essential to understand the specific requirements of your county or city to avoid compliance issues.

Overview of Rental Licensing Requirements in Maryland

1. Montgomery County

License Required? Yes, for all residential rental properties.
Inspections? Properties must pass a housing code inspection to ensure compliance with safety and habitability standards. Radon Test: single family (attached and detached) and multifamily – ground contact and basement units must be tested every 3 years.
Where to Apply?
Montgomery County Rental Licensing Portal

2. Baltimore City

License Required? Yes, for all rental properties.
Inspections? An independent licensed home inspector must certify the property meets city standards.
Where to Apply?
Baltimore City Rental Registration Portal

3. Baltimore County

License Required? Yes, for most rental properties, including single-family homes and apartments.
Inspections? An inspection is required to ensure the property is safe for occupancy.
Where to Apply?
Baltimore County Rental Licensing Information

4. Anne Arundel County

License Required? Yes, for long-term and short-term rentals.
Inspections? A housing inspection may be required, especially for short-term rentals.
Where to Apply?
Anne Arundel County Rental Licensing

5. Prince George’s County

License Required? Yes, for single-family and multifamily rental properties.
Inspections? Safety and health inspections are mandatory before licensing.
Where to Apply?
Prince George’s County Rental Licensing

6. Howard County

License Required? Yes, for all rental dwelling units.
Inspections? Properties must pass a rental housing inspection.
Where to Apply?
Howard County Rental Licensing Portal

County-Specific Rental Licensing Guidelines in Maryland

Many cities and towns have additional rental licensing rules that differ from their surrounding counties.

1. City of Frederick

Requirement: Rental licensing begins January 1, 2024, for all rental properties.
Where to Apply: Contact the City of Frederick Housing and Community Development Office.

2. City of Laurel

Requirement: Rental properties must be licensed separately.
Where to Apply: Visit the Laurel City website for application details.

3. City of Takoma Park

Requirement: Rental licensing is mandatory, and additional tenant protection laws apply.
Where to Apply: Refer to Takoma Park Landlord Information for more details.

4. City of Annapolis

Requirement: All rental properties must obtain a rental license.
Where to Apply: Applications can be submitted through the City’s official website.

5. City of Hagerstown

Requirement: Rental properties are required to be licensed and inspected.
Where to Apply: Contact the City of Hagerstown’s Code Administration Department for application details.

6. City of Salisbury

Requirement: Mandatory rental registration and licensing for all rental units.
Where to Apply: Visit the City of Salisbury’s official website for more information.

7. City of Bowie

Requirement: Rental properties must be licensed separately from Prince George’s County.
Where to Apply: Applications are available on the City of Bowie’s website.

8. City of College Park

Requirement: All rental properties require a city-issued rental license.
Where to Apply: Refer to the City of College Park’s official website for application procedures.

9. City of Greenbelt

Requirement: Rental units must be licensed in accordance with city regulations.
Where to Apply: Contact the City of Greenbelt’s Department of Planning and Community Development.

10. City of Hyattsville

Requirement: Mandatory rental licensing for all residential rental properties.
Where to Apply: Applications can be found on the City of Hyattsville’s official website.

11. City of Rockville

Requirement: Rental properties must obtain a license from the city.
Where to Apply: Visit the City of Rockville’s website for licensing information.

12. City of Gaithersburg

Requirement: All rental units require a city-issued rental license.
Where to Apply: Refer to the City of Gaithersburg’s official website for application details.

Each of these municipalities has specific requirements and application processes for rental licensing that are distinct from their respective county regulations

Steps to Prepare a Property for Rental Licensing

Understand Local Requirements: Research the licensing laws for your county and city.
Schedule Inspections: Arrange for any mandatory housing inspections, which often include:
- Structural safety
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Lead-based paint inspections (for properties built before 1978)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Radon Test
Complete Necessary Repairs: Address any issues identified during inspections to ensure compliance.
Submit Your Application: Provide all required documentation, including inspection certificates, to the appropriate county or city office.

Maryland Lead-Based Paint Inspections and Requirements

Properties built before 1978 may require a lead-based paint inspection before renting. In Maryland, this often includes:

Visual and Dust Inspections: Certified inspectors collect dust samples to ensure no lead hazards are present.
XRF Lead-Free Inspections: For permanent lead-free certification, specialized equipment is used to analyze painted surfaces.

For more information, visit:

Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Helpful Resources for Landlords

Conclusion

Rental licensing is an essential step for landlords in Maryland to ensure their properties meet legal and safety standards. Whether you’re renting a property in Montgomery County, Baltimore City, or another jurisdiction, understanding the specific requirements will save you time and help you avoid potential penalties.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with local regulations and prepare your property to meet all inspection and licensing standards. If you’re unsure about your county or city’s rules, consult the resources provided or reach out to local housing departments for guidance

Smart Home Inspects

Deise (Daisy) Rezende is the owner and co-founder of Smart Home Inspects and Smart Home Radon, with over a decade of experience in home inspections and environmental safety. As a certified radon measurement provider, mold inspector, and soil gas mitigation compliance inspector, she brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to ensuring healthier living environments for her clients. Daisy currently serves as the President of the Maryland chapter of the Indoor Environments Association (IEA) and is a member of the National Radon Speakers Bureau. Passionate about education and advocacy, she works tirelessly to raise awareness about indoor air quality and the importance of radon testing and mitigation. With certifications in lead-based paint inspections and well water quality testing, Daisy takes a comprehensive approach to property safety. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning has earned her a reputation as a trusted expert in the industry. Outside of work, Daisy enjoys sharing her expertise through public speaking, writing, and helping homeowners make informed decisions about their properties.