Non owner-occupied properties in Baltimore City are required to be registered with the City. Also, non owner-occupied rental properties also have to be inspected and licensed, in addition to the registration requirement. Baltimore’s licensing law went into effect in 2018, and applies to single-family homes as well as multifamily properties (apartments), rental condos, etc.

A Baltimore City landlord cannot charge or collect rent for a property that is not inspected and licensed.

Please go here to download the sections of Baltimore City Code that cover registration, licensing, and inspections. (This link will open a PDF file).

For more information on Baltimore’s rental registration, licensing, and inspection, you should direct your questions to Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  Also, you can check to see if your property is licensed and registered by visiting this section of DHCD’s website.

If you have questions regarding Baltimore City’s registration, licensing, and inspection law, or any other landlord-tenant issue, please fill out our intake form. You can also download our Tenant Guide for information on other Maryland tenant issues, by going here. (This link will open a PDF file.)