Baltimore rental license inspection

Who performs the inspection?

Inspections must be performed by a Maryland state-licensed home inspector who is registered with Baltimore City. The inspector completes Baltimore City's official DHCD Rental License Inspection Form. You can choose an inspector, or we can help coordinate one for you as part of our service.

What inspectors check

The inspector uses Baltimore City's DHCD inspection checklist, which focuses on life-safety and habitability items. Common inspection items include:

The goal is to confirm that the rental meets Baltimore City's basic health and safety standards for tenants.

Inspection timeline and validity

Inspection time varies based on property size. For many single-family homes and smaller properties, it is often completed within 1-3 hours. Larger multifamily buildings can take longer.

Critical submission deadlines

Important: The inspection must be submitted to DHCD within specific time windows:

• 1-2 family dwellings: 30 days from inspection date
• Multifamily dwellings: 90 days from inspection date
• Section 8 inspections: Must be no older than one year

We ensure your inspection is submitted within these critical windows to avoid needing a new inspection.

What happens if something fails?

If the inspector finds items that do not meet the standard, they are documented in the report. You can:

• Request a city review of failed items A-L within 15 business days of the inspection report date
• Fix the issues (for example, adding detectors, addressing wiring issues, or correcting safety items)
• Schedule a follow-up or reinspection once corrections are made
• Submit updated documentation to the city as requested

Note: If violations aren't cleared within 30 days of the 3rd-party inspection report date, you may need a new 3rd-party inspection.

We help owners understand what the inspection report says in practical terms and coordinate what needs to happen next to move the license forward.

How we help with inspections

As part of our Baltimore rental license service, we can:

• Help you choose or connect with a Maryland state-licensed home inspector registered with Baltimore City
• Schedule the inspection at a time that works for you and your tenants
• Work with an existing inspection report if you already have one that meets Baltimore's requirements and is within the validity window
• Review the inspection report and help you understand any items that need attention
• Coordinate follow-up inspections or corrections if needed
• Ensure the inspection documentation is submitted within the critical 30/90-day windows
• Handle the DHCD portal submission with properly formatted inspection forms (PDF preferred)