Rental Inspections in Baltimore County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Baltimore County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Inspection Programs
Before renting out a dwelling unit in Baltimore County, an owner must either self-certify (7+ unit buildings with a clean violation history) or hire a licensed home inspector to check the unit and premises against Director-set health and safety standards.
Baltimore County Rental Inspection Requirements
Significant RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-6-107
Dwellings with 7 or more dwelling units and apartment complexes are eligible to self-certify and apply for a license with no inspection if, as determined by the Director of Permits, Approvals, and Inspections, they have had less than 3 health and safety violations in the past 3 years that have been fully adjudicated by the Administrative Law Judge and are not under appeal...For dwellings with 6...
Tenant Complaint Process
A Baltimore County Code Official can enter a rental unit to inspect only with the tenant's permission, or under a court order if a licensing violation is suspected. Once a tenant's complaint leads to enforcement, § 35-5-204(e) bars the landlord from evicting that tenant solely because the tenant complained to the Code Official about a Livability Code violation.
Baltimore County Tenant Complaint Inspection Rights
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-5-103(c), (e), (f); § 35-5-204(e)
(c)(1)The Code Official may enter a structure or premises with the permission of the tenant for the purpose of making an inspection or performing a duty under Subtitle 2 of this title.(2)(i)Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the Code Official may enter the property in order to conduct an inspection if the Code Official believes that a violation of Subtitle 3 of this title has occur...
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