RENTAL HOUSING LICENSE

About Rental Licensure

Since 1965, Howard County Housing Inspectors have enforced Housing Code standards by inspecting and licensing rental housing units.

When Is A Rental License Required?

Every dwelling or dwelling unit in Howard County which is not occupied solely by the owner or owner’s immediate family must be licensed. A license is also required if more than one boarder, roomer or renter occupies the dwelling with the owner. This requirement applies whether or not rent changes hands.

Rental Licenses ensure that the County Property Maintenance Code standards are met. The requirement applies to apartments,hotels, motels, assisted living facilities, individually owned condominiums, duplexes, mobile homes, single family homes and town homes.

What To Do Before Applying

Out–of-state owners must designate a local agent.

Make sure sleeping areas located in the basement or any other area of the unit meet egress requirements. Generally, an operable exterior window meeting certain minimum dimensions for rescue and ventilation is required in every bedroom.

Check/Install Smoke Detectors-If a house was constructed with a/c wired (electrical 115 volt) smoke dtectord, they must be maintained throughout the life of the dwelling. Each level and sing of asingle family dweling is required to have one smoke detector per level. These smoke detectors may be a/c wired or battery powered or a combination of both. In addition to smoke detectors installed on each level of the dwelling, each bedroom must have one smoke detector (either a/c wired or battery type) installed inside the bedroom near the doorway. All smoke detectors must have a test button that can actuate the detector for testing purposes. Tenants/owners are advised to test and clean their smoke detctors monthly. If the smoke detector is battery operated, batteries should be changed once a year. After 10 years, a build up of dust and dirt can affect the sensor in your smoke detctors. it is recommended that you replace any smoke detector (a/c wired or battery) after 10 years. If you are unsure of the age of a smoke detector, the date of manufacture is usually on a lable affixed to the back. Call 410-313-1830 for more information.

How to Apply And What To Expect

A property owner or authorized agent of the property owner may request a Rental License Application by mail or at the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits counter on the first floor of the George Howard Building (3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City).

After the owner or agent returns the completed application with the required fee, the Department sends a letter requesting that the responsible person contact the Housing Inspector to arrange an appointment for inspection of the unit.

The Inspector looks for the following:

• Water Heater-Check to ensure temperature and pressure relief valve is piped down to the floor not more than 6 inches above floor level or piped in to sump pump pit or other approved termination.
• Washer Dryer-if provided check the hookups and turn them on a short cycle to ensure there are no leaks and they are innworking order. Dryer should be vented to the exterior or as per manufacturer's instructions.
• Electrical Panel Box-Check for tripped breakers, missing spacers or breakers providing access to the interior buss bar. A minimum clear space 30 x 30 inches must be left open leading up to the electrical panel.
• Furnace-Forced air, heat pump or other forced air type unit, check for filter if visible, and cleanliness; if gas fired check condition of flue pipe for holes, rust and tightness of connection; clearance to combustible materials usually 18 inches on single wall flue.
• Hot Water Boiler-May provide domestic hot water in addition to heat; boiler circulates hot water through a system of pipes and radiators and baseboard heating units; look for temperature and pressure relief valve; must be piped down to within 6-8 inches of floor level.
• Rooms on All Floors-Check permiter of room (floors/ceilings) for water damage, i.e. stains or suspected mold; check electrical outlets quantity and use tester on ranomd outlets; outlets cannot be painted over.
• Basement-Check for egress window in basement if there is a bedroom in the basement.
• Bathroom/Power Room-check for ventilation fan or openable window; check bathtub/shower tiles for loose tiles and proper caulking at wall and tub as well as where the tub meets the floor; check floors to ensure they are impervious to water and have no loose tiles.
• Smoke Detectors-A smoke detector must be on all floor or wings of the house; there must be a smoke detector INSIDE EACH BEDROOM near the doorway as well as as the hallway area outside the bedrooms; check smoke detectors for operation on all floor levels and insde all bedrooms; if original smoke detectors were hardwired (a/c wired, 110 volt electrical) they must remain hardwired although new smoke detectors installed inside the bedrooms can be battery operated.
• All rooms-Check to ensure all switch plates and duplex outlet covers are installed; check for open (exposed wired) electrical junction boxes; check for holes in walls, floors and ceilings.
• Windows-Check windows to ensure locks are on all first floor windows (with a sill height of 6 ft); ensure window screens are in place and free of holes.
• Sprinklers-If the house has a sprinkler system (for fire suppression); check sprinkler heads for clearance requirements and ensure that no heads are painted or damaged; latest copy of sprinkler report for multi family buildngs must be provied;
• Kitchen-Run water in sink and check for leaks under the sink; check garbage disposal for operation and proper electrical connection; check inside stove to ensure it is clean and sanitary; turn on stove and burners to ensure they are in working order; look inside dishwasher to ensure it is clean and sanitary; turn on dishwasher to ensure it is working properly; look inside refrigerator (if provided) for clean and sanitary condition free of odor.
• Stairways (inside/outside)-Check to ensure handrails are in place if there are more than four risers.
• Fireplaces-Check for condition; if used recommend chimney cleaning to landlord.
• Exterior-Check to ensure that gutters and downspouts are not crushed or clogged and are fee of overhanging branches; splash blocks should be in place at the termination of the downspout; look for areas where topsoil is missing exposing stones/pebbles;ensure that globes are on all exterior light fixtures (all exit doors require a light); ensure that there are no holes in the exterior that would allow nuisance animals entry; check especially at roof line( soffit and fascia); ensure there is no rotted wood trim or cracking or peeling paint; visual inspection of roof line and covering for signs of deterioration (note any clawing shingles or missing shingles); check fences and/or gates to ensure they are structurally sound and hardware is in place on all gates; ensure that sliding doors work properly and screen slides is secure; if the house has a deck, check to ensure it has proper railings and is structurally sound; check sidewalks/step for tripping hazards.

Download Rental Housing Inspection Checklist

Rental License Duration

Licenses are issued for a two year period.

Owners/agents must notify the Department if the property is sold, becomes unoccupied, or is reoccupied by the owner during the term of the license. Additionally the Department must be notified of Management Company and/or Agent changes.

Schedule Of Fees For Licenses

Apartment Complexes (Includes technology fee): $82.50 per unit

Motels, Hotels, Dormitories, Roomers, Sheltered Care (Includes technology fee): $55 per room

Single units such as single family detached, single family attached, individually owned, condominiums, duplexes, mobile homes, house sharing, (Includes technology fee): $82.50 per unit

Assisted living facilities (Includes technology fee): $82.50 per sleeping room

For more detailed Fees Schedule click here.