Residential Rental License Maryland County Requirements

Fun fact, prior to writing this post I believed that most Counties in Maryland require landlords to have a residential rental license to rent to tenants. Turns out most of them don’t! I just happen to practice in jurisdictions where they’re almost always required. And even in those jurisdictions, there are limited circumstances in where a landlord is not required to have a license. It’s always a good idea to know the licensing requirements of your jurisdiction because landlords who unintentionally violate them may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.

Maryland Rental Rental License Information & Requirements

The table below links to where you can find your counties rental licensing information when applicable and the circumstances in which a license is required. Licensing requirements are always subject to change so this guide needs to be constantly updated. Always double-check your county information before relying on this guide and please let us know if the registration requirements have changed.

Maryland County	Rental License Required?
Alleghany County Residential Rental Licensing	Yes
Anne Arundel County	Yes, Multiple Dwelling Houses & Rooming Houses
Baltimore County Rental Housing Registration	Yes
Baltimore City Property Registration & Licensing	Yes
Calvert County	No
Carroll County	Yes, in Westminster
Cecil County	No
Charles County	No
Dorchester County	Yes
Frederick County	Yes, for the City of Frederick
Garrett County	Only For Short Term Vacation Rentals
Harford County	No
Howard County	Yes
Kent County	No
Montgomery County Residential Rental License Info.	Yes
Prince George’s County Residential Rental License Info.	Yes
Queen Anne’s County	No
Saint Mary’s County	No
Somerset County	No
Talbot County	Licenses required for short term rentals
Washington County	License Required in Hagerstown
Wicomico County	No
Worcester County	No

Maryland County Residential Rental License & Registration Requirements

And there you have it! Be sure to check to see if residential rental license before you start renting. Also, if you live in a jurisdiction that requires one, chances are you’re in a jurisdiction where I practice. So if you need help filing a failure to pay rent claim do not hesitate to contact The Pendergraft Firm.