Rental Registration — Maryland
State and city registration requirements for landlords and rental properties
State-Level Registration
Agency: Maryland DHCD (Department of Housing and Community Development)
Renewal: Annual
Fee: Varies by county
Maryland requires statewide registration through local jurisdictions. Most counties require registration with the county housing office. Baltimore City has its own extensive rental registration and inspection program. Lead paint inspection required for pre-1978 buildings under MDE rules. See: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/
City Programs in Maryland
Many cities in Maryland have local rental registration, licensing, or inspection programs even when the state has no statewide requirement. Common examples in Maryland:
Contact your local city or county housing authority to determine if registration is required in your municipality.
Lead Paint Disclosure (Federal)
Federal law (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) requires landlords to disclose known lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978. Required for all states, regardless of local rules.
- Provide the EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet ("Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home")
- Disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards in writing
- Include a lead paint disclosure attachment in the lease
- Allow tenant up to 10 days for lead inspection before signing lease
Governing Statute
Maryland Real Property Code §§ 8-101 et seq.
This tool provides legal information, not legal advice. Nothing on this site creates an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.