Understanding the Baltimore City Rental License
Updated for 2026. A baltimore city rental license is defined as a mandatory legal permit issued by the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) [3]. This license is required for all non-owner-occupied rental properties, meaning that landlords must obtain it before renting or offering to rent any dwelling [4]. It is a separate requirement from annual property registration. Operating without this valid permit can result in significant fines. For instance, navigating the specific Baltimore rental license requirements is a critical first step for compliance.
Who Needs a Baltimore City Rental License?
In Baltimore City, a rental license is required for all non-owner-occupied residential properties [5]. This means if you own a house, duplex, or multi-unit building where you do not live, you must obtain this permit to legally rent it out. For example, this includes single-family homes, apartments, and rooming houses [3].
Owner-occupied properties with tenants are generally exempt from needing a full baltimore city rental license but must still complete a property registration. Separate rules apply to short-term rentals. A Short-Term Rental is defined as a rental of all or part of a home for less than 90 nights and requires a specific, higher-cost license [6]. To qualify, the property must be the owner's principal residence [6].
Vacant buildings and lots have different registration requirements and do not need a rental license until they are occupied by a tenant. Understanding these specific triggers is the first step in the Baltimore rental license process. For a detailed breakdown of associated costs, including the $60 per unit fee for non-owner-occupied rentals, you can review the Baltimore rental license pricing.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Rental License
To operate a rental property in Baltimore, you must secure a baltimore city rental license. This process, managed by the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), involves four key steps and requires lead paint compliance [5][9].
- Register your property online with DHCD, ensuring all owner contact information is current.
- Schedule the mandatory inspection with a Maryland State-licensed home inspector who is also registered with Baltimore City DHCD [5].
- Pass the inspection, which verifies the property meets basic health, safety, and maintenance standards.
- Submit your passed inspection report and pay the licensing fee to DHCD to receive your certificate.
The inspection is the most critical phase. For instance, the property must also be lead-certified by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Lead certification is defined as the official process of testing for and mitigating lead-based paint hazards [9]. Unless certified as lead-free, a new lead paint inspection is required at every tenant turnover [9]. You must have the license before a tenant moves in, and the entire process can take several weeks to complete. For a detailed breakdown of fees, which vary by unit type, see our guide on Baltimore rental license pricing. Navigating these requirements can be complex; our services are designed to streamline obtaining and maintaining your baltimore city rental license efficiently.
Costs, Fees, and Renewal Requirements
Understanding the costs and renewal obligations for a baltimore city rental license is essential for compliance. The standard annual fee for a non-owner-occupied, long-term rental unit is $60 [2]. For short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb, the annual license fee is significantly higher at $300 [2].
| License Type | Annual Fee Per Unit |
|---|---|
| Long-Term Rental | $60 |
| Short-Term Rental | $300 |
This permit must be renewed each year, concurrent with your mandatory property registration which is due by January 1 [1]. Failure to renew on time results in late fees and can lead to license revocation, which, under city law, removes your right to collect rent [3][4]. Furthermore, inspection certificates are valid for a set period; landlords must proactively schedule re-inspections before renewal to avoid lapses. For a detailed breakdown of all potential costs, see our guide to Baltimore rental license pricing. Staying ahead of these annual requirements ensures continuous, legal operation of your rental property.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Penalties
Avoiding common pitfalls with your baltimore city rental license is critical, as mistakes can lead to significant penalties and operational headaches. For example, one frequent error is using an unregistered home inspector, which will invalidate the inspection and delay your entire application. Another is confusing registration with licensing; registration refers to listing your property with the city, while a license is defined as the official permit to legally rent it out. This means operating without the proper credential has severe consequences.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
Landlords who rent without a valid license face daily fines and lose crucial legal protections. Specifically, Maryland law prohibits unlicensed landlords from collecting rent or pursuing evictions for non-payment [10]. In other words, you cannot legally collect rent if your baltimore city rental license is not active [3]. The city can also take legal action, and as of January 1, 2026, the Strengthening Renters’ Safety Act will increase enforcement, particularly for properties with repeat violations [3].
How Can You Avoid These Issues?
Proactive planning is your best defense. Start the application process well before marketing a vacant unit to account for inspection and processing time. Maintain organized records of your license, all inspection reports, and communications with the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD). For a clear breakdown of associated costs, review the current Baltimore rental license pricing. Ensuring full compliance from the start protects your investment and income, making professional guidance a valuable resource for navigating these requirements efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Baltimore City Rental License
Do I need a license to be a landlord in Maryland?
Yes, a rental license is required in Baltimore City for all non-owner-occupied properties [1][4]. Statewide, requirements vary by county. For example, Baltimore County also mandates registration and licensing for rental properties [2]. Always verify local ordinances, as failing to license can invalidate rent collection rights [3].
How much is a rental license in Baltimore County?
In Baltimore County, a rental license for a non-owner-occupied property with six or fewer units costs $60 per unit annually [2]. Short-term rentals are $300, and fees for complexes with seven or more units differ. An inspection by a state-licensed home inspector is also required for most properties [2].
Which counties in Maryland require a rental license?
Baltimore City and Baltimore County definitively require rental licenses [1][2]. Other counties have varying regulations. For instance, Prince George's and Montgomery counties have their own registration systems. Landlords must check each jurisdiction's specific rules, as non-compliance carries significant legal and financial risks [3].
Staying Compliant as a Baltimore City Landlord
Securing and maintaining your Baltimore City rental license is a fundamental legal duty for landlords, defined as the official registration required to legally rent out a property within city limits [1]. This means all non-owner-occupied dwellings must be registered annually by January 1, regardless of occupancy or income status [1]. The process hinges on a proper inspection and timely renewal to avoid penalties, such as fines for late filing.
While the requirements are detailed, they are manageable with careful planning. For example, a registration statement must be filed within 10 days of any property transfer and renewed each January 1st [5]. Recent industry data shows fees vary, such as $60 per unit for standard long-term rentals. Professional rental licensing services can handle the paperwork, scheduling, and follow-up detailed in our process guide, ensuring you avoid costly oversights. This allows you to focus on property management while staying fully compliant.