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If you own a building in Baltimore County that contains six dwelling units or fewer that you intend to rent, including Short-term Rentals advertised on such sites as AirBnB and VRBO; Section 8 or BRHP-assisted properties, each rental unit must be registered or approved for exemption by Baltimore County before tenants move in.

Why You Need to Register Your Property

It is legally required unless your rental property qualifies for exemption. In 2007, the Baltimore County Council passed Bill 87-07 requiring that all buildings or portions of a building that contain one to six dwelling units intended or designed to be rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied for living purposes be registered and licensed with Baltimore County. You must register and be licensed before a tenant moves into the property.

The purpose of registration is to establish a licensing program in the County in order to create an additional procedure for the enforcement of County codes and regulations to protect and promote public safety, health and welfare.

A person who owns and rents a dwelling unit or a portion of a dwelling unit without a license may be subject to the denial, suspension, revocation or non-renewal of the license or civil penalties of $25 per day for each day a violation occurs and $200 per day for each day a correction notice is not complied with, and there will be a $1,000 fine for not complying with the Rental Registration Law.

Note: This law only applies to residential rental properties with one to six units. Larger rental complexes are covered by other County laws and regulations that ensure the safety and well-being of their tenants.

Determine if Your Property Is Exempt

There are a number of factors that may qualify your property for exemption from registration. Review the criteria listed on the Exemption Affidavit and if any of these conditions apply, complete an application or renewal for exemption. Short-term rentals are not eligible for an exemption.

Register Your Property

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

Explore Rental Housing Registration

 

Contact Us

Rental Housing Registration

County Office Building
Room G-7
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

Hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone

Fax

410-887-3970

BALTCOGO311

Director:

C. Pete Gutwald