Code Violation Reporting in Baltimore County, MD (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Baltimore County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
How to Report
Baltimore County's Code Official investigates a rental complaint under § 35-5-103(c)(3) for three specific problems: an unauthorized rooming or boarding house, a failure to maintain fire safety equipment under § 35-5-213, or an unauthorized bedroom-count discrepancy on a licensed rental. If the property owner or tenant refuses entry once a complaint is filed, the county can ask a court for an order to get in.
Baltimore County: How To Report A Rental Complaint
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-5-103(c)(3)
(c)(3)(i)The Code Official may enter and inspect a structure or premises for the purpose of investigating a complaint of or a reasonable belief of a violation for:1.An unauthorized rooming and boarding house, as defined in the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations;2.A failure to maintain the minimum standards for fire safety facilities and equipment under §§ 35-5-213 and 35-5-213.1 of the County ...
Response Times
Once Baltimore County's Code Official orders a repair, § 35-5-103(d)(4) gives the property owner 48 hours to fix an emergency violation and 30 days for a non-emergency one. A contested citation gets a hearing within 30 days under § 3-6-206(a), and an appeal to the Board of Appeals must be filed within 15 days, heard within 60 days, and decided within 15 days after that under § 3-6-301.
Baltimore County Code Violation And Appeal Deadlines
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-5-103(d)(4); § 3-6-206(a); § 3-6-301
(d)(4)(i)The property owner shall make an alteration or repair to correct a violation of the Code:1.Within 48 hours after receiving notice of a violation that the Code Official has determined is an emergency; or2.Within 30 days after receiving notice of a violation that the Code Official has determined is not an emergency. ... § 3-6-206(a)Date set. The Code Official or the Director, as applicab...
Common Violations
The Livability Code's most commonly cited standards cover the building envelope and plumbing: § 35-5-208 requires the exterior, including the roof, foundation, and structural members, to be kept in good repair and sound, while § 35-5-211(b) requires every housing unit to have its own toilet, sink, bathtub or shower, and kitchen sink, each supplied with hot and cold running water.
Baltimore County: Most-Cited Rental Code Violations
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-5-208; § 35-5-211(b)
§ 35-5-208(a)In general. The property owner shall maintain the exterior of a structure in good repair and in a sanitary condition so that the structure does not pose a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants.(b)Structural members. Supporting structural members of a structure shall be:(1)Kept structurally sound;(2)Free of deterioration; and(3)Maintained capable of safely bearin...
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