Rental Property Rules in Baltimore County, MD (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Baltimore County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Just Cause Eviction
Baltimore County Code § 35-4-201 protects a tenant who has filed a dangerous-conditions escrow case: for six months after the court rules on the merits, the landlord cannot raise rent, evict the tenant, or cut required services unless the court finds good cause. The same six-month shield covers a tenant who, in good faith, reports a potential code violation to a state or county agency.
Baltimore County Good-Cause Eviction Protection
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-4-201(k), (l)
(k)Increase in rent or eviction prohibited; exceptions.(1)For a period of 6 months following a determination of the merits of the case by the court, a landlord may not increase rent, evict the tenant from the premises, or decrease services that by law are required to be provided by the landlord unless the court finds:(i)That the declaration or defense by the tenant has not been brought in good ...
Rental Registration
A property owner in Baltimore County can't rent out a dwelling unit, boarding house room, or apartment without a rental housing license from the Director of Permits, Approvals and Inspections, per Code § 35-6-105. Owner-occupied homes with no more than one unrelated tenant, and a handful of other narrow categories, are exempt under § 35-6-103.
Baltimore County Rental Housing License Required
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-6-103(a); § 35-6-105(a)-(b)
(a)This title applies to:(1)Boarding or rooming houses;(2)Dwellings; and(3)Apartment complexes. ... (a)In general.(1)A property owner may not rent a dwelling unit or a portion of a dwelling unit unless the property owner has been issued a license as provided for in this subtitle.(2)A tenant may not rent a dwelling unit or a portion of a dwelling unit to another tenant or a sub-tenant unless the...
Rent Increase Notice
Baltimore County requires landlords of three or more rental units to give 60 days' written notice before any rent increase takes effect, but only during a declared eviction moratorium or public health emergency and for 90 days after it ends. The notice must go by First Class mail and be posted on the unit's door under County Code Article 35, Title 3.
Baltimore County Rent Increase Notice, Emergencies Only
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-3-402
(a)Restrictions. During an emergency and for a period of 90 days after the expiration of an emergency, a landlord may not charge, collect, or demand from a tenant an increase in rent until 60 days after the landlord gives the tenant written notice of the rent increase.(b)Posting and contents of notice. A written notice of rent increase required under this section must be mailed to the tenant by...
Repairs & Habitability
Baltimore County's Livability Code sets the minimum habitability floor for every leased residential structure countywide, including vacant units. Under § 35-5-102, the Code protects lighting, ventilation, heating, sanitation, and fire safety; § 35-5-201 applies it to all residential rentals except owner-occupied housing; and § 35-5-212(b) requires landlords to hold heat at a minimum of 65°F in living areas from October 15 through April 15.
Baltimore County Rental Habitability Standards
Some RestrictionsBaltimore County Code § 35-5-102; § 35-5-201; § 35-5-212(b)
(a)Purpose. This Code is adopted to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in residential structures and premises by:(1)Establishing minimum maintenance standards for:(i)Basic equipment and facilities used for lighting, ventilation, heating, and sanitation of residential structures and premises; and(ii)Safe and sanitary maintenance of residential structures and premises... § 35-5-201(a)...
All Baltimore County ordinances
See every category we cover for Baltimore County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Baltimore County Ordinance Hub →