Rental Licensing
Overview
Baltimore City now requires ALL residential rental units to be registered, inspected, and licensed to ensure that they meet basic safety and maintenance requirements. Previously one- and two-family dwellings were not required to be inspected and licensed to operate as a rental. On August 1, 2018, a new law took effect requiring all Baltimore City rental properties, including one- and two-family and multi-family dwellings, to be licensed to operate as a rental by January 1, 2019. If your property is not a rental but is non-owner-occupied it still must be registered annually.
In order to receive a rental license from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) the property must 1) be registered with DHCD using the online portal and 2) be inspected by a State Licensed, Baltimore City registered Home Inspector.
Setting up an online account can be done easily from your home or office. However, if assistance is needed, kiosks are available in the registration office located at 417 E. Fayette Street, Room 100, and staff is available to assist between the hours of 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except on official holidays.
To complete your registration and licensing requirements:
Set up a new account
How to Have Your Property Inspected
Once you have registered your property, you must have it inspected by a State Licensed, Baltimore City-registered Home Inspector. Home Inspectors set their own market-rate fees for these inspections; Baltimore City does not regulate the cost of these inspections. You may select any State Licensed Home Inspector that has registered with Baltimore City DHCD. Inspections can be completed any time after August 1, 2018, but must be submitted with your registration prior to December 31, 2018.
The inspector will be looking for basic life, health, and safety items to insure the property is up to code and safe for the occupants and neighboring residents, including but not limited to electrical, plumbing, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, interior and exterior sanitary conditions, utilities, and lead paint. We recommend that you review the inspection form to understand the requirements and make any necessary repairs prior to the inspection.
All initial licenses are issued for a two-year period. When it is time for renewal you may be able to obtain a three-year license or be limited to a two- or one-year license based on your maintenance record and violation history.
List of Registered Home Inspectors
Click here for a list of Baltimore City Registered Home Inspectors
State Licensed Home Inspectors
To become a Baltimore City Registered Home Inspector or to access your account, click here.
Inspection Forms
Baltimore City Rental License Inspection Form
Addendum to Rental Licensing Checklist for Multifamily Properties
Inspection Checklist Guidance Document
Tenants/Potential Tenants
How to Know if a Property is Currently Licensed and Registered as a Rental Property
Baltimore City Rental License Inspection Form - Home Inspectors will use this form when inspecting rental units. This form must be submitted as part of the licensing process.
Addendum to Rental Licensing Checklist for Multifamily Properties - Home Inspectors will use this form in addition to the License Inspection Form to inspect common areas in multi-family dwellings, rooming houses, and hotels.
Sample Form to be provided to tenants regarding trash removal and recycling.
Sanitation Brochure (English and Spanish)
Frequently Asked Questions - Frequently asked questions and answers about new licensing and registration requirements.
Regulations Regarding Licensing
Full text of Council Bill 18-0185
Baltimore City Code, Article 13, Subtitle 4-2
Register Online
Set up a new account
Contact us by Email
Contact the Property Registration and Multifamily Licensing Office by email.
Register In-Person
Property Registration and Licensing Division
417 E. Fayette Street, Room 100
Open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
410-396-3575