Rental registration in Baltimore City, MD

One rule applies, with its citation below.

Research, not legal advice

These summaries are compiled from ordinance text and public sources and are dated at the point they were last checked. Rules change between checks — Newark replaced its whole registration regime in a single month — so confirm anything you are about to underwrite against the primary source or the municipal office named in the citation.

Rental dwellings require an effective Baltimore City license

Baltimore Cityhigh confidence

Verified on 2026-08-22.

Baltimore City generally prohibits renting or offering a dwelling unit for rent without an effective rental dwelling license; Housing Authority units are excepted.

Article 13 ties licensing to registration, inspection, and applicable lead certification. A transfer requires a new license application; verify the current City record before relying on a seller's license.

Exemptions

Dwelling units owned and operated by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City are excepted.

Ordinary license term: Two years

Sources

Baltimore City Code, Article 13, Subtitle 5 — Baltimore City Code art. 13, subtit. 5

Every rule for Baltimore City, MD