Landlord Guide

How to Get a Rental License in Baltimore County, Maryland (2026)

Q: How much does a Baltimore County rental license cost?

The Baltimore County rental license application fee is $60 per unit. You also need a property inspection before applying — typically around $150 from a licensed home inspector. Total out-of-pocket cost is approximately $210. The license is valid for 3 years.

Q: How long is a Baltimore County rental license valid?

The Baltimore County rental license is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. Renewal reminders are sent before expiration. A full re-inspection is not always required at renewal unless there are compliance issues.

Q: What happens if I rent without a Baltimore County rental license?

Penalties include a $1,000 fine for non-compliance, $25/day for ongoing violations, and $200/day for ignoring a correction notice. You may also lose the right to collect rent or pursue eviction in District Court until the license is obtained.

Updated June 2026 · By HBAY Property Management · Baltimore & Howard County, MD

Baltimore County requires a rental license for almost every residential rental property before a tenant moves in. Operating without one violates Maryland law and can cost you the legal right to collect rent. Here's exactly what you need to do.

⚠️ Critical: No License = No Rent Collection

Under Maryland law, an unlicensed landlord cannot bring a failure-to-pay-rent action in District Court. If you don't have a valid license, you lose your legal ability to collect rent or pursue eviction for non-payment.

Do You Need a Rental License?

Yes — almost certainly. Baltimore County requires a rental housing license for:

All non-owner-occupied residential rental properties
Properties with 6 or fewer dwelling units
Properties with 7 or more dwelling units (apartment complexes)
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)

Some exemptions exist for owner-occupied properties with family members or properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you're unsure, contact Baltimore County's Rental Registration office at (410) 887-6060.

How Much Does It Cost?

Property Type	Fee
Non-owner-occupied dwelling unit	$60 per unit
Owner-occupied with 1–2 tenants	$48 per unit
Owner-occupied with 3+ tenants	$60 per unit
Short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO)	$300 per unit

Make checks payable to "Baltimore County, Maryland." The license is valid for three years and must be renewed before it expires.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1 — Hire a Licensed Home Inspector

All rental properties with 6 or fewer units must be inspected by a state-licensed home inspector before you can apply. The inspector must complete an official Inspection Sheet for each unit. Baltimore County does not negotiate inspector rates — you'll hire and pay the inspector directly.

What the Inspector Checks

The inspection verifies compliance with the Maryland Livability Code — working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, proper plumbing and heating, structural soundness, and general habitability.

Step 2 — Lead Paint Certification (Pre-1978 Properties)

If your property was built before 1978, you must provide a lead paint inspection certificate from a Maryland-accredited lead inspector. This is separate from the general home inspection and required for each tenancy.

Step 3 — Apply Online

Apply at baltimorecountymd.gov → Permits, Approvals & Inspections → Rental Registration. You'll need to create an account. Submit:

Completed Inspection Sheet from your licensed home inspector
Lead paint certificate (if pre-1978)
New Tenant Information form
Payment ($60 per unit for most properties)

Step 4 — Receive Your License

Once approved, you can download and print your rental license anytime from the Baltimore County portal. Post it or keep it available on the property — inspectors may check.

✅ HBAY Handles This For You

When you sign with HBAY Property Management, we coordinate the entire rental license process on your behalf — including scheduling your inspection with our licensed home inspector, identifying and fixing any issues before the inspection, and submitting your application to Baltimore County. Most landlords find this the most time-consuming part of renting a property. We take it off your plate completely.

Renewal

The license is valid for 3 years. You'll receive renewal reminders from Baltimore County before expiration. Renewal requires updated information and the applicable fee — a new full inspection is not always required unless there are compliance issues.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Civil penalty of $25/day for each day a violation occurs
$200/day for each day a correction notice is not complied with
$1,000 fine for not complying with the Rental Registration Law
Loss of right to collect rent or pursue eviction in court

Neighborhood Preservation District

Properties within one mile of Towson University's main campus are subject to additional restrictions. If the block or neighborhood has a rental rate of 30% or more, rental licenses may be restricted. Contact Baltimore County for specifics if your property is in this area.

📞 Contact Baltimore County Rental Registration

Phone: (410) 887-6060
Office: Historic Courthouse, Room 150, 400 Washington Avenue, Towson, MD 21204
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Baltimore County rental license cost?

The Baltimore County rental license application fee is $60 per unit for most residential properties. In addition, you'll need a property inspection before applying — a licensed home inspector typically charges around $150 for a rental inspection. So the total out-of-pocket cost to get licensed is approximately $210 ($60 application + $150 inspection). The license is then valid for 3 years. When you manage with HBAY, we coordinate the entire process on your behalf at no additional charge.

How long is a Baltimore County rental license valid?

The Baltimore County rental license is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. You'll receive renewal reminders from Baltimore County before it expires. A full re-inspection is not always required at renewal unless there are compliance issues noted.

Do I need an inspection before applying for the license?

Yes. Baltimore County requires a completed inspection sheet from a licensed home inspector as part of the rental license application. The inspection verifies compliance with Maryland's Livability Code — smoke and CO alarms, plumbing, heating, structural soundness, and general habitability. Budget approximately $150 for the inspection.

What happens if I rent without a Baltimore County rental license?

Renting without a valid license exposes you to significant penalties — a $1,000 fine for non-compliance with the Rental Registration Law, $25/day for ongoing violations, and $200/day for ignoring a correction notice. More critically, you may lose the right to collect rent or pursue eviction in District Court until the license is obtained.

Can HBAY handle the rental license process for me?

Yes — when you sign with HBAY Property Management, we coordinate the entire Baltimore County rental license process at no additional charge. We schedule the property inspection with our licensed contractor ($150 inspection fee still applies), identify and fix any issues before submission, and file your application with Baltimore County. It's included in your flat $150/month management fee.

Let HBAY Handle Your Baltimore County Rental License

We coordinate the inspection with our licensed contractor, fix any issues before submission, and file your application with Baltimore County. First 3 months of management FREE for new clients.

Get 3 Months Free ($450 Value) 📞 (443) 360-7991

HBAY manages rental properties throughout Baltimore County, including Towson, Catonsville, Dundalk, Essex, White Marsh, Owings Mills, and Pikesville.