Gaithersburg, MD Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Montgomery County Code Chapter 29 requires all residential rental units, including those in Gaithersburg, to be licensed by the DHCA. Before renting a dwelling unit, the landlord must apply for a rental housing license and pass a housing code inspection conducted by DHCA inspectors. The inspection verifies compliance with the county housing code, including structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, heating, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, egress, and general habitability standards. Licenses are valid for a set period (typically two to four years depending on compliance history) and must be renewed before expiration. Properties with a strong compliance record may qualify for extended license periods. Landlords must display the license number in any rental advertisements and provide a copy to tenants upon request. Properties managed by HOAs in Gaithersburg (Kentlands, Lakelands, Washingtonian) must comply with both HOA architectural standards and county rental licensing. The DHCA maintains a public database of licensed rental properties. Landlords who fail to license their rental property face significant penalties. Contact DHCA at 240-777-0220 for licensing information.