Anne Arundel County, MD Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered properties
- Multiple dwellings, non-owner-occupied duplexes, rooming houses
- Pre-license step
- Health Officer inspection required
- License term
- Up to 2 years, renewable
- Late penalty
- 10% or $25 per 30 days
- Non-compliance outcome
- License suspension after violation notice
Summary
Anne Arundel County requires a license from the Department of Inspections and Permits to operate a multiple dwelling or non-owner-occupied duplex, and the Health Officer must inspect the property before that license is issued.
A person may not operate a multiple dwelling or rooming house without a license issued by the Department. A separate license is required for each multiple dwelling or rooming house. ... The Department of Inspections and Permits may not issue an initial operating license without the approval of the Health Officer. The Health Officer shall approve the issuance of a license if an inspection of the multiple dwelling or rooming house for which the license is sought reveals that the multiple dwelling or rooming house complies with the requirements of Article 15, Title 4 of this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code Title 10 (License required, section 11-10-102) requires anyone operating a multiple dwelling of more than two units, or a non-owner-occupied duplex, or a rooming house, to hold an operating license from the Department of Inspections and Permits. Under section 11-10-105, the Department cannot issue that license until the Health Officer inspects the property and confirms it meets the Article 15, Title 4 property maintenance code. Owners who miss renewal face a 10 percent or 25 dollar penalty fee per 30-day period, and violations found on re-inspection trigger a correction notice before the license can be suspended. The license-plus-inspection cycle applies countywide, including unincorporated Glen Burnie and Severna Park, which have no city government of their own.
Violations & Fines
Missing renewal brings a 10 percent or 25 dollar penalty fee every 30 days. Ignoring a Health Officer correction notice, or operating unlicensed, leads to license suspension under section 11-10-111 and civil-offense fines under Title 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anne Arundel County require a license for rental housing?
Does this apply to a rental in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland rental inspections overview
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