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

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

Do You Need a Rental License?

Yes. Howard County requires a rental license for any owner who wants to rent out a residential dwelling unit. This applies to:

• Single-family homes
• Townhouses and condominiums
• Multi-unit properties
• Any property rented to a tenant who is not related to the owner

The Fee

The Howard County rental license fee is $77.00 per property. Make your check payable to "Director of Finance, Howard County."

Renewals should be submitted by July 1st of the renewal year.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1 — Complete the Application

Download the Rental License Application from Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP). The application requires:

• Property address and unit number (if applicable)
• Name and contact information for the property owner
• Designation of an authorized agent — an owner who is a Maryland resident with a business office in the state may designate themselves
• Certification that HOA fees are not more than 30 days past due (if applicable)

Step 2 — Schedule an Inspection

After submitting your application, the Howard County DILP will schedule an inspection of the property. The inspector verifies that the property meets the Howard County Property Maintenance Code for Rental Housing. Common inspection items include:

• Working smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area
• Working carbon monoxide alarms (required if fuel-burning appliances or attached garage)
• Proper heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Structural soundness and no major code violations

Step 3 — Submit Application and Fee

Mail your completed application and check to:

Step 4 — Receive Your License

Once the inspection is passed and application processed, your license will be issued. You must receive the license before any tenant moves in.

License Validity and Renewal

The Howard County rental license is valid for 2 years — shorter than Baltimore County's 3-year license. Howard County will send you a renewal reminder when it's time.

The renewal inspection is typically just a drive-by exterior inspection to confirm the property is being maintained. No full interior inspection is usually required at renewal unless there are complaints or code issues.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Don't wait until the tenant is ready to move in — start the process as soon as you decide to rent. It takes time.
• Fill out the application carefully — errors cause the application to be mailed back to you, adding weeks to the process.
• Renew on time — Howard County renewals are due by July 1st. A lapsed license means you cannot legally collect rent.
• Designate a Maryland agent — if you are an out-of-state owner, you must designate a licensed Maryland property manager or other Maryland resident as your authorized agent.

Out-of-State Owners

If you live outside Maryland, Howard County requires you to designate an authorized agent who is a Maryland resident with a business office in the state. This is one of the primary reasons out-of-state landlords use a local property management company — not only does it satisfy the agent requirement, it ensures someone is locally available for inspections, tenant issues, and emergencies.

2026 Update: Statewide Landlord-Tenant Law Changes

Beyond the Howard County rental license itself, recent statewide changes to Maryland landlord-tenant law affect every licensed rental here, regardless of county. These apply on top of your county license — getting licensed doesn't exempt you from them.

• Security deposits capped at 1 month's rent — down from the previous 2-month cap, under the Renters' Rights and Stabilization Act of 2024 (HB 693). A 2-month deposit is allowed only if the tenant qualifies for utility assistance and both parties agree in writing.
• 24-hour written entry notice now required — effective October 1, 2025 (Md. Code, Real Property § 8-221), landlords must give tenants at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, stating the date, approximate time, and purpose. Entry is limited to 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, except in emergencies.
• Tenant right of first refusal — before listing a rental property for sale, landlords must notify the tenant of their right to make a purchase offer.
• Eviction filing costs increased — the court filing surcharge for a Failure to Pay Rent case rose from $8 to $43, and a mandatory 7-day delay now applies before an eviction warrant can be executed after judgment.

This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm how these changes apply to your specific property with a Maryland attorney or your property manager.

HBAY manages rental properties throughout Howard County, including Ellicott City and Columbia, MD.