New to renting out a property in Baltimore City or County?
Whether you just bought it, inherited it, or decided to rent out a home you already own, we'll help you figure out exactly what it needs — MDE registration, lead compliance, inspection, and licensing.
So you're renting out a property for the first time — now what?
Bought it, inherited it, or just decided to rent it out — the path to your first tenant can include repairs, MDE lead registration, a lead inspection, a rental inspection, and local licensing, sometimes in a specific order.
What does this property, in Baltimore City or County, actually need before it can be rented?
That's the question we help you answer, before it turns into a failed inspection or a delayed move-in date.
Your compliance roadmap
This is the general path most Baltimore City and Baltimore County rental properties follow. Your exact requirements and order of operations depend on the property's age, jurisdiction, and history — we'll confirm the specifics for yours.
Property acquisition or transfer
You bought it, inherited it, or decided to rent out a home you already own — compliance planning starts here.
Determine requirements
We identify what applies based on the property's age, jurisdiction, and history.
Rent-ready assessment
A walkthrough that catches problems while they're still cheap to fix.
Complete repairs
Address what the walkthrough found, with a clear punch list.
MDE registration
Get your property's MDE lead registration number. This has to happen before a lead inspection can be scheduled — we'll retrieve it for you if you don't already have one.
Lead inspection
Required for most properties built before 1978 before they're re-occupied, using your MDE number.
Rental inspection
The inspection tied to your Baltimore City or Baltimore County rental license.
Submit compliance documents
Getting the right paperwork to the right department.
Rental license
Issued once your jurisdiction's requirements are met.
Maintain & renew
Staying ahead of renewal deadlines from day one.
This roadmap is educational and general in nature — it isn't legal advice or a guarantee of the exact steps required for your property. We verify current requirements against MDE, Baltimore City DHCD, Baltimore County, and other authoritative sources before advising on your property.
Where most new landlords start
Investor Compliance Package
Covers the full path to a Baltimore City rental license, in the right order — including your MDE registration number if you don't already have one.
Investor Compliance Package
Covers the full path to a Baltimore County rental license, in the right order — including your MDE registration number if you don't already have one. Baltimore County also requires a signed New Tenant Notification Form (owner and tenant both sign), which we help coordinate as part of this package.
A rental license takes more than a single inspection — but if you already know what you need, you can also book a Rental Inspection or a Visual Lead Inspection on its own. Pricing is shown during booking.
Common questions from first-time investors
Does my property need a lead inspection?
Generally, only rental properties built before 1978 fall under Maryland's Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing Act. We'll confirm your property's status before recommending an inspection.
Do I need an MDE number before I can get a lead inspection?
Yes — an MDE lead registration number has to be in place before a lead inspection can be scheduled. If you don't already have one, we can retrieve it for you as part of the compliance process.
How early should I schedule my inspection?
As early as possible after closing, ideally before a move-in date is set. That leaves time to handle any corrections without delaying your tenant.
What happens if my property fails an inspection?
You'll typically need to complete corrections and go through a re-inspection. We'll help you understand what needs fixing and coordinate the next inspection.
What documents should I have ready?
Proof of ownership and the property's built date are the most common. We'll tell you if anything else is needed for your specific property.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about the property, and we'll help you figure out what it actually needs.