Rental Licensing in Baltimore & Harford County: What Landlords Need to Know
Image: Freepix
For landlords in Maryland, staying compliant with local rental licensing laws is one of the most important steps to protecting your investment and ensuring smooth operations. Both Baltimore City and Baltimore County have active licensing requirements, while Harford County takes a different approach. Understanding these rules can help you avoid costly mistakes, delays in rent collection, and even tenant disputes.
Baltimore City
In Baltimore City, all rental properties must be licensed. This applies whether you own a single-family home, a duplex, a multi-unit dwelling, or even a rooming house. Before receiving a license, the property must pass an inspection from a third-party licensed inspector. These inspections focus on safety and habitability standards such as functioning smoke detectors, secure railings, and working utilities.
If your property was built before 1978, compliance with Maryland’s lead paint risk reduction laws is also required. Once approved, licenses are typically valid for one to three years, depending on the property type, and must be renewed on schedule.
Baltimore County
Baltimore County also requires licensing for rental properties, but the rules are slightly different. Any property with 1 to 6 rental units must be licensed. Just like in the City, landlords must have their property inspected by a certified inspector before applying.
Some owner-occupied properties may be exempt, but the majority of rentals must comply. Licenses in Baltimore County are issued for three years and require renewal prior to expiration to continue collecting rent legally.
Harford County
Harford County currently does not require a county-wide rental license for most residential properties. However, certain municipalities within Harford, such as Aberdeen and Havre de Grace, may enforce their own local rental requirements. Even without licensing at the county level, landlords must still comply with Maryland’s lead paint laws if the property was built before 1978.
Staying Compliant
Regardless of location, Maryland landlords should take a proactive approach:
Schedule inspections with certified inspectors early.
Maintain proof of lead paint compliance where applicable.
Keep track of license expiration dates to ensure timely renewals.
Confirm whether local municipalities have additional requirements beyond county rules.
Final Takeaway
If your rental is in Baltimore City or Baltimore County, a license is almost always required. In Harford County, licensing is not county-wide, but local towns may have their own ordinances. By keeping up with inspections, paperwork, and renewal deadlines, you’ll protect your rental income, remain in compliance with the law, and provide safe housing for your tenants.
For more information on properties located in Baltimore, MD, click here.
