Calvert County, MD Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Section 75-4A puts the enforcement duty on the Code Official, the chief of the Division of Inspections and Permits or a designee, but limits what triggers action: only written complaints that name the complainant and detail specific code violations, or complaints made in a personal interview with the complainant, will be investigated. Once a complaint is accepted, Section 75-5C authorizes the Code Official to enter the structure or premises at a reasonable time after giving reasonable notice and identification to the owner, operator and tenant to inspect for compliance.

If the Code Official finds a violation, Section 75-7A requires a notice giving the owner, operator or tenant a fixed period to correct it, served in person by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office or by certified mail; if delivery fails, the notice can be posted at the property. Tenants must in turn give the property owner or operator reasonable access to make repairs the inspection turns up, under Section 75-5F. Where a structure is found unfit for occupancy, Section 75-6 lets the Code Official condemn it and order it placarded and vacated, though enforcement cannot displace a tenant unless comparable alternate housing is available nearby.

The Code Official must also try to coordinate with any other government agency inspecting the same property to cut down on duplicate visits, per Section 75-5G.