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Baltimore County Rental Inspections

How do I rent in Baltimore County?

Important Information for Baltimore County Rental Property Owners

If you own a building in Baltimore County with six dwelling units or fewer and intend to rent these units, including Section 8 and BRHP-assisted properties, it's essential to be aware of the county's rental property registration requirements. Here's what you need to know:

1. Registration Requirement: Each rental unit within your building must be registered or approved for exemption by Baltimore County before tenants move in. This applies to all rental properties with six or fewer dwelling units in Baltimore County.

2. Required Documentation: To complete the registration process, you must provide the following documentation with your application:

  • Inspection Sheet: This must be completed by a licensed home inspector.

  • Carbon Monoxide Alarm Verification: Documentation confirming the presence and proper functioning of carbon monoxide alarms in the rental units.

  • Lead Inspection Certificate: If the property was built before 1978, a lead inspection certificate is required.

Compliance with these registration requirements is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of your tenants and to meet Baltimore County regulations.

As a licensed home inspector, we are here to assist you with the inspection and documentation required for the registration of your rental units in Baltimore County. We understand the importance of compliance with local regulations and are committed to helping you meet these requirements.

Contact us today to schedule your rental property inspection and obtain the necessary documentation for Baltimore County's rental property registration. We are here to support you in maintaining safe and compliant rental properties.

How we can help

Streamline Your Rental Property Compliance Process with Our Help

Navigating the various requirements and paperwork associated with rental property compliance can be a complex and time-consuming process. As a state-licensed Home Inspector, we are here to simplify this process for you and help you get your rental property ready for tenants efficiently. Here's how we can assist:

1. Inspection Expertise: Our licensed Home Inspector is well-versed in the specific inspection requirements for rental properties in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. We can conduct thorough inspections to ensure your property meets all safety and code standards.

2. Documentation Assistance: We will assist you in completing all the necessary documentation, including the Inspection Sheet, Carbon Monoxide Alarm Verification, and Lead Inspection Certificate (if applicable). Our goal is to ensure that your paperwork is accurate and compliant with local regulations.

3. Timely Completion: We understand the importance of getting your rental property ready for tenants as soon as possible. By working with us, you can expedite the compliance process and start generating rental income sooner.

4. Compliance Assurance: Our expertise and attention to detail will help you achieve full compliance with Baltimore County and Baltimore City regulations, ensuring the safety and well-being of your tenants and the smooth operation of your rental property.

Don't let paperwork and compliance requirements delay your rental property's income potential. Contact us today, and we will guide you through the process, providing the necessary inspections and documentation to help you start renting your property without unnecessary delays.

Give us a call now to get started, and let's make the most of your rental property investment. We are committed to helping you achieve compliance and success in the rental market.

What will the Inspector be looking for?

  • A hardwired & battery backed interconnected smoke detectors must be present and operational on every level excluding unoccupied attics, garages or crawl spaces. Wireless remote interconnection is acceptable as long as the smoke detectors are hardwired and approved by a recognized testing lab such as UL and be listed and approved for sale, installation and use in Maryland by the Office of the
    State Fire Marshal. To ensure interconnection works properly, units must be same manufacturer. Smoke alarm units 10 years or older must be replaced.

Single Family Home

1. A hardwired smoke detector with a battery backup must be located in the corridor or hallway outside
of sleeping areas and on every level of the dwelling unit.
2. If the home has a basement, a hardwired smoke detector with a battery backup must also be located
in the basement, and must be interconnected to the smoke detectors on all levels of the dwelling unit.

Homes with 2 or 3 Apartments

1. A hardwired smoke detector with a battery backup must be located in the corridor or hallway outside
of sleeping areas and on every level of the dwelling unit including the basement. Basement smoke
detector must be interconnected to the smoke detector on the first floor only.

Homes with 4-6 Apartments

1. A hardwired interconnected smoke detector with a battery backup must be located in the corridor or
hallway outside the sleeping area and on every level of the dwelling unit.
2. A hardwired smoke detector is required in the basement for homes with 4-6 apartments but does not
have to be interconnected.

  • Electrical wires are not visible in living areas.

  • There is hot and cold running water in kitchen and each bathroom with no leaks below sink area and all toilets flush.

  • There are no sleeping areas in the basement or if there is a sleeping area in the basement, there is a secondary means of escape as follows: basement window with minimum 5.7 sq. ft. opening with sill height 44 inches or less from floor OR basement door with thumb turn dead bolt.

  • The furnace is either operational or because of outside temperatures it is unable to be tested

  • Railing is present for interior and exterior steps with more than 3 risers.

  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors are present on every level of the dwelling and audible in sleeping areas.

  • Any other readily observable problems that in the inspector’s opinion represent an immediate threat to the health or safety of occupant.

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