Steps to Register Your Rental Property in Baltimore

In the city of Baltimore, Maryland, rental registration is a process by which rental property owners are required to register their rental units with the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development. This process helps the city maintain accurate records of rental units and ensures that rental properties meet certain standards of habitability. Registration is required by law for rental properties within the Baltimore city limits.  A landlord may not, by law, evict a tenant from their property if the property is not in compliance with a valid rental registration. 

To register a rental property in Baltimore, you will need to log onto Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community

Then create an account, and choose Property Registration and Rental Licensing online service.

To complete rental registration in Baltimore, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Gather the necessary information and documents. You will need to provide information about the rental property, including the address, the number of units, the type of property (e.g., house, apartment, etc.), and the name and contact information of the owner and property manager. You will also need to provide proof of property ownership, such as a deed or mortgage statement.
2. The property will need to pass a rental inspection that you will need to schedule with an authorized third-party inspection company.  In addition, the property, if built before 1978, will need to be lead tested, regardless of the age of the tenant(s).  Some third-party inspection companies provide both rental inspection and lead testing.  One such company, for example, that we have utilized in the past and highly recommend is Home Inspector MD. 
3. Upon receipt of passing inspection and lead test, all documents will be uploaded into Baltimore’s portal. 
4. After the city has reviewed all the documents, a certificate of rental registration will be issued.  The registration will need to be renewed yearly.