BALTIMORE COUNTY RENTAL PROPERTY INSPECTION

Unlocking Safety and Compliance: Baltimore County Rental Property Inspections

DS Home Inspection Services, LLC is Licensed and In Good Standing in Maryland to provide Baltimore County Rental Inspections for six of fewer dwelling units. Below is everything you need to know about Baltimore County Rental Inspections.

DS Home Inspection Services, LLC - Your Baltimore County Rental Inspection Experts

Baltimore County Rental Inspections are a fundamental aspect of ensuring the safety, habitability, and adherence to local regulations for rental properties within the county. These inspections are designed to assess various components of a rental unit, ensuring that it meets the required standards for occupancy, safety, and maintenance.

The primary objective of Baltimore County Rental Inspections is to safeguard both landlords and tenants. For landlords, these inspections help ensure that their properties comply with local codes and regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and ensuring the Baltimore County Rental Property Inspection remains in good standing. For tenants, it guarantees a safe and habitable living environment, protecting their rights as renters.

• THE LAW
  • You must register and be licensed before a tenant moves into the property. This includes short-term rentals.
  • If your property is not qualified for exemption, you must register or renew it with Baltimore County.
• BALTIMORE COUNTY RENTAL INSPECTION PROCESS

  The Baltimore County Rental Inspection takes about 15 - 20 minutes per dwelling to conduct. Owners, landlords or property managers are required to attend the inspection to sign the inspection form at the end of the inspection.

  We strongly recommend clients to review the inspection 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. Review the documents below to familiarize yourself with the County’s requirements before scheduling your inspection.

  • Baltimore County Rental Registration
    • Baltimore County Rental Registration Exemption Affidavit (PDF)
    • New Tenant Registration Form (PDF)
  • Register or Renew Your Rental Property
    • Required Documents
      • Baltimore County Rental License Inspection Sheet (PDF)
      • New Tenant Registration Form (PDF)
      • Carbon Monoxide Alarm Verification (PDF)
      • Lead Inspection Certificate if built before 1978
  • Read Non-Discrimination Regulations
    • Fair Housing Laws (PDF)
    • Maryland Accessibility Act (PDF)
• THE RENTAL INSPECTION

  We look for the following per the inspection sheet requirements:

  • Smoke detectors
  • Carbon monoxide alarms are installed in the common area outside of sleeping areas and on every level of the dwelling unit
  • Electrical system has no apparent visual hazards
  • All plumbing is functional with no apparent visual hazards
  • All windows designed to be opened are operational
  • All combustion appliances (furnace, hot water heater, dryer, etc.) are properly vented
  • Secondary means of escape from sleeping areas exist with no exterior health or safety hazards

What Does a Baltimore County Rental Inspection Cover?

1. Structural Integrity: Evaluating the building's structural soundness, including walls, foundations, roofs, and floors, ensuring they meet safety standards.
2. Electrical Systems: Thoroughly inspecting wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, and electrical panels for functionality and compliance with safety codes.
3. Plumbing: Checking for leaks in water pressure, and ensuring proper functioning of faucets, pipes, and drainage systems to maintain water safety and sanitation.
4. Heating and HVAC Systems: Assessing heating units, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure they operate effectively and safely.
5. Fire Safety Measures: Verifying the presence and functionality of smoke detectors, fire alarms, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
6. General Safety Standards: Inspecting stairways, railings, windows, and doors to guarantee they meet safety requirements.

RENTAL INSPECTION FEE

$150 for the first unit. Discounts are provided for multiple units or when combined with a Lead Paint Certificate Inspection.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Full Risk Reduction Lead Paint Certificate Inspection
We are accredited Visual Inspectors by the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to perform lead dust wipe inspections for rental lead certificate. Visit our Lead Paint Certificate Inspection for more details and save when you add this service on to your rental inspection.

Ongoing Property Maintenance Inspections
Do you want to make sure your tenants are taking care of your property? We offer two types of ongoing property maintenance inspections to help you ensure your properties are being well maintained. See our Property Maintenance Rental Inspection page for more information.

The information on this page was compiled from a variety of documents provided by the Baltimore County Government. Refer to their website that may include additional information about the requirements and may contain information that has been updated.