Baltimore County, MD Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

The Livability Code, Article 35, Title 5, is the county's primary habitability law and it reaches nearly every rental in Baltimore County because the county has almost no incorporated towns of its own. Section 35-5-102 states the Code exists to protect public health, safety, and welfare by setting minimum maintenance standards for lighting, ventilation, heating, and sanitation equipment, minimum fire-safety requirements for means of egress and fire protection systems, and by fixing the respective duties of property owners, operators, and tenants. Section 35-5-201 applies that Title to residential structures used for human habitation, including structures that are currently vacant, but exempts owner-occupied housing and any housing the Department exempts under state regulation.

The heating standard is the clearest numeric floor: under § 35-5-212(b), from October 15 through April 15 each year, a property owner must supply heat or working heating equipment capable of maintaining at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable areas between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., and at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the remaining overnight hours. If the outdoor temperature drops below zero Fahrenheit, the minimum indoor temperature rises to 60 degrees at all times. Temperature is measured three feet above the floor and three feet from exterior walls. The same Title separately fixes standards for exterior structure, interior structure, light and ventilation, plumbing fixtures, and fire safety and protection, each enforced by the Code Official under § 35-5-103 and § 35-5-104. A property owner who cannot afford ordered repairs can apply to the Department of Planning for a hardship-assistance loan of up to $10,000 under § 35-5-305, repayable as a lien when the property sells or transfers.