Baltimore rental license process
Baltimore City generally requires: (1) register the property annually, (2) obtain a passing third-party inspection, and (3) hold an active rental dwelling license to legally rent/collect rent for covered rental dwellings. We handle each step for you.
Confirm Applicability + Search Current Status
Same dayWe confirm the property is in Baltimore City and search DHCD's registry to see if it's already registered/licensed.
Create/Access DHCD Registration Portal Account
15-30 minutesWe set up your portal profile; properties can be added one at a time, and each gets a registration number.
Annual Property Registration + Pay Annual Registration Fee(s)
1 day (payment dependent)We submit the annual registration (registration year runs Jan-Dec; portal opens Jan 1 each year) and pay the appropriate per-unit fee ($30/unit for 1-2 units, $35/unit for multifamily).
Schedule Inspection with an Eligible Inspector
Typically days to weeks depending on availabilityWe coordinate with a Maryland state-licensed home inspector who is registered with Baltimore City (required).
Inspection Happens + Inspector Completes DHCD Checklist
1-3 hours on site (varies by property)The inspector evaluates your property using Baltimore City's inspection checklist, focusing on life-safety and habitability items: utilities, wiring, smoke/CO alarms, plumbing, doors/windows, weather-tightness, gutters, heat, and other health/safety threats.
Submit Inspection to DHCD Portal Within Validity Window
Same day to a few daysCritical rule: inspection must be submitted within 30 days for 1-2 family and within 90 days for multifamily. We ensure timely submission.
DHCD Review + License Issuance
Varies (city review queue)Initial license term is 2 years; renewal can be 1-3 years based on how quickly code violations were abated in prior periods. We monitor the review process.
Renewals
AnnualRegistration is annual (Jan-Dec cycle). License renewal requires inspection close to expiration (within 30 days) and submission within the same 30/90-day windows. We handle all renewals.
Overall timeline
Fast path (organized + quick inspector availability): ~2-4 weeks. Constrained path (inspection scheduling + follow-ups): ~1-3+ months. Exact city processing time isn't guaranteed; treat it as queue-dependent.