Annapolis, MD Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Annapolis City Code § 17.44.010
- Covers
- Dwellings, units, B&Bs, hotels, motels, inns
- Renewal cycle
- Annual (2-year for large staffed buildings)
- Penalty
- Per-unit, per-day fine after 15-day notice
- Pre-license step
- Inspection required under § 17.44.050
Summary
Annapolis requires a rental operator's license from the Department before any dwelling, dwelling unit, bed and breakfast home, hotel, motel or inn can be rented for occupancy. Renting without one is a municipal infraction with daily fines.
A.A current rental operator's license approved and issued by the Department is required before a person shall rent for occupancy or use any of the following types of premises, as these types are defined in Chapter 21.72 of the Code:1.Dwellings, including:a.Single-family attached and detached dwellings;b.Multiple and two-family dwellings;c.Multifamily dwellings; andd.Dwellings above the ground floor of commercial and maritime uses;2.Dwelling units, including efficiency units;3.Bed and breakfast homes; and4.Hotels, motels and inns.B.A person who rents or continues to rent for occupancy or use any unlicensed premises is guilty of a municipal infraction and subject to a fine as established by resolution of the City Council. Such fine shall be assessed on a per unit per day basis, after an initial fifteen calendar day notification period to the owner, until a rental operator's license has been obtained, reissued or revalidated. (Ord. No. O-26-19, § I, 1-13-2020; Ord. No. O-7-22, § I, 2-28-2022)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Annapolis City Code § 17.44.010(A) requires a current rental operator's license before renting virtually any residential premises: single-family and multifamily dwellings, dwelling units, bed and breakfast homes, hotels, motels and inns. Under § 17.44.040, the Director will not issue or renew a license unless an inspection confirms compliance with Chapter 17.40 and Chapter 17.44, and the application must list the applicant's Maryland Lead Rental Registry tracking number and Maryland Sales and Use Tax account number. Licenses are annual, with a two-year option for large staffed multifamily buildings.
Violations & Fines
Renting or continuing to rent an unlicensed premises is a municipal infraction under § 17.44.010(B), fined per unit per day, starting fifteen calendar days after the owner is notified and continuing until the license is obtained, reissued or revalidated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to rent out property in Annapolis?
What happens if I rent without a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
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