All Multiple-family dwellings (MFD) must be licensed. All one- and two-unit dwellings must also be licensed. All rental units (including one- and two-unit dwellings) must pass an inspection to obtain a license. All rental units must have a sanitation plan educating tenants on proper waste storage and disposal. Effective date of January 1, 2019. There is now a tiered license expiration based on property owner’s compliance with code. All initial licenses are issued for a two-year period. When it is time for renewal, a landlord may be able to obtain a three-year license or be limited to a two- or one-year license based on your…

The Baltimore City Rental Inspection takes about 30 minutes to conduct. Owners, landlords or property managers are not required to attend the inspection, however advanced noticed should be provided to any existing tenant or if vacant, proper access is available such as sentrilock or a lockbox. We strongly recommend clients to review the inspection checklist requirements below within the unit(s) to be inspected in advance to avoid failing the inspection and having potential additional costs for re-inspections. The following is a list of the steps you must take. This information was gathered from the City’s Licensing Requirement Brochure and Information Sheet. Abate any open violation notices…

ONE – TWO FAMILY UNITS Please review the City’s RENTAL LICENSE INSPECTION FORM and the City’s RENTAL LICENSING INSPECTOR GUIDANCE document for specifics of the pass/fail requirements. MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTIES Additional requirements are listed on the Checklist ADDENDUM FOR COMMON AREAS IN MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS, ROOMING HOUSES, AND HOTELS