Baltimore County, MD Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Baltimore County Code § 35-6-103 applies the rental housing license to boarding or rooming houses, dwellings, and apartment complexes, but exempts dwellings that are solely owner-occupied (including up to one unrelated adult), dwellings occupied by a departing former owner paying rent for no more than 12 months, dwellings with a live-in nurse, nanny, or household assistant, units occupied solely by the owner's family, and properties on the National Register of Historic Places or the county's landmarks lists. Section 35-6-105 then bars a property owner, or a tenant subletting to another tenant, from renting a dwelling unit or a portion of one without a license, and requires a separate license for each dwelling unit; the Director decides how many units a dwelling contains.

To apply, § 35-6-106 requires the owner's contact information, a description and address of the unit, the name of any managing agent, a Maryland-resident agent for service of process, the number of occupants authorized, the building's age and type, proof of Maryland Department of the Environment lead registration where applicable, and details on smoke detectors, heating, hot water, and water and sewage service, plus, where applicable, a home inspection certificate performed within the prior 90 days. Fees are set by the County Administrative Officer, with a reduced fee for a one- or two-tenant owner-occupied unit and a hardship waiver the Director may grant. Owners must report any change in contact or agent information within 30 days.