Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Rental license (or exemption license) required before a tenant moves in Verified
Deadline: Before the tenant moves in (keep the application information updated within 30 days of any change)
Register the property and get a Baltimore County rental license, or an exemption license, before a tenant moves in. Fees for 6 or fewer units: $48 per unit if owner-occupied with one or two tenants, otherwise $60 per unit; short-term rentals $300. Seven or more units: $100 per complex if self-certified, plus $60 per inspected unit if not. Update the application within 30 days of any change.
Who it covers: All rental property in the county, including short-term rentals. Exemption license for units occupied only by the owner's relatives (plus one other adult), units exempted by federal or state law, and listed historic dwellings. Licenses may be restricted in the Neighborhood Preservation District near Towson University.
"All rental property in Baltimore County must be registered for a rental license or have an exemption license, per Baltimore County Code Section 35-5-201." baltimorecountymd.gov
"You must register and be licensed before a tenant moves into the property. This includes short-term rentals." baltimorecountymd.gov
"Owner-occupied, one or two tenants (long-term): $48 per unit" baltimorecountymd.gov
"Not self-certified: $100 per apartment complex plus $60 per unit inspected" baltimorecountymd.gov
"This information must be updated within 30 days of any change" baltimorecountymd.gov
Notes: Baltimore County Code § 35-5-201 (code text not snapshotted); Permits, Approvals and Inspections rental registration pages. Violations can bring civil penalties of $25 per day.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Rental license lasts 3 years; renew before the third anniversary (exemptions and self-certifications too) Verified
Deadline: Every 3 years from the license effective date
A Baltimore County rental license expires on the third anniversary of its effective date. Renew it before then for another three-year term; exemption licenses and self-certifications must be renewed too.
"The rental license is valid for three years and will expire on the third anniversary of its effective date. Before a license expires, the licensee may periodically renew it for an additional three-year term. Exemptions and self-certification must also be renewed." baltimorecountymd.gov
Notes: Baltimore County rental registration page.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Inspection by a state-licensed home inspector for 6 or fewer units; 7+ units self-certify or inspect 10% of units Verified
Deadline: Every 3 years from the license effective date
For dwellings with 6 or fewer units, hire a state-licensed home inspector to complete an Inspection Sheet for each unit and submit it with the registration or renewal. For 7 or more units, self-certify (fewer than 3 code violations in the past 3 years) or have at least 10% of units inspected.
Who it covers: Section 8 or BRHP units may submit an inspection completed within the past 12 months. Pre-1978 units also need a lead inspection certificate (see Maryland lead rules). Inspection cost is set by the inspector.
"All rental properties with six or fewer dwelling units must be inspected. Have an inspection performed by a state-licensed home inspector. The inspector must complete an Inspection Sheet for each unit you intend to rent." baltimorecountymd.gov
"If your property is not qualified for exemption, follow the steps below to register or renew it with Baltimore County." baltimorecountymd.gov
"If the property had had fewer than three code violations in the past three years, the owner may apply with a Self-Certification Rental Registration Affidavit." baltimorecountymd.gov
"Lead inspection certificate if the home or dwelling unit was built before 1978 (not required for short-term rentals)" baltimorecountymd.gov
Notes: The County lists the inspection as a step to 'register or renew'; the page does not spell out how recent the inspection must be at renewal. County Code text not snapshotted.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction