Rental Housing Registration

If you own a building in Baltimore County that contains six dwelling units or fewer that you intend to rent, each rental unit must be registered or approved for exemption by Baltimore County before tenants move in.

There are a number of conditions that may qualify your property for exemption. Review the criteria listed on the Exemption Affidavit (PDF) and if any of these conditions apply, complete an application for exemption.

If your property is not qualified for exemption, follow the steps below to register it with Baltimore County.

Step 1: Know the Registration Fees

• Owner-occupied, one or two tenants: $40 per unit
• Owner-occupied, three or more tenants: $50 per unit
• Not owner-occupied: $50 per unit

Step 2: Have Your Property Inspected

Have an inspection performed by a state-licensed home inspector. The inspector must complete an Inspection Sheet (PDF) for each unit you intend to rent.

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

You must provide the following with your application:

• The Inspection Sheet (PDF) completed by a licensed home inspector in Step 2 above
• A Carbon Monoxide Alarm Verification (PDF)
• If the home was built before 1978, a lead inspection certificate

Step 4: Read the Non-Discrimination Regulations

You must comply with federal, State and County non-discrimination and accessibility regulations, as applicable. The regulations, exceptions and waiver conditions are described in the following pamphlets:

• Fair Housing Law (PDF)
• Maryland Accessibility Act (PDF)

You will be required to attest that you have reviewed and understand the regulations before completing your application.

Step 5: Decide How You Want to Apply

Apply or Renew Online

Note: Please be sure to check that your rental property complies with all the Baltimore County Zoning Regulations. To locate your Zoning Designation, please visit My Neighborhood.

To apply for or renew your license online, you'll need:

• A valid email address
• A Visa or Mastercard to pay applicable fees
• All documentation from Step 3 above

You will be required to create an account and accept terms of use before beginning your application.

Apply or renew

Apply or Renew by Mail or In Person

To apply or renew by mail or in person, you must:

• Print and complete the Rental Housing Application (PDF)
• Print and complete a payment coupon (PDF)
• Include all documentation from Step 3 above

Then, return your application and supporting documentation to:

Rental Housing License Payments
Historic Courthouse, Room 151
400 Washington Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

Additional Resources

• Carbon Monoxide Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations (PDF)
• Landlords and Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes (PDF)
• Nuisance Complaints Procedure and Form (PDF)
• Lead Safe Program in Baltimore County

More Information

If you have questions about the registration or exemption process, email the Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections at pairentalregistration@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-6060.