We receive numerous questions regarding Baltimore County Rental Licensing and many new landlords maybe unfamiliar with the rental laws so we wanted to make ourselves available to answer your questions.

Maryland requires all rental properties constructed prior to 1950 to have at a minimum a lead dust wipe inspection and in 2015 the law changes to include all property built before 1979. The law requires lead contaminated dust testing (with no chipping, peeling, flaking paint) as the only Risk Reduction Standard prior to first occupancy of an affected property (including pre-1950 residential rental units) and at change in occupancy.

Baltimore County requires a licensed home inspector to inspect the property for safety and health hazards.  This is a brief inspection not like a 4 hour home inspection and what we find most are incorrect outlets, at the kitchen and bathrooms, and improper smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors must be hardwired (attached to house current with a battery backup) and interconnected (sound off together).  To save some money the interconnected part maybe wireless, no need to run a wire to connect the smoke detectors together.

We hope to answer your questions collectively through this blog and keep you posted on changes or updates to the laws.  Rental inspections run $85.00 and Lead Inspections $200.00 flat rate.  Discounts may apply.   Email us mailto:news@macarres.com