RENTAL HOUSING APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

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 a rental unit meet egress requirements. Generally, an operable exterior window meeting certain minimum dimensions for rescue and ventilation is required in every bedroom.
• Smoke detectors must be maintained throughout the life of the dwelling if a house was constructed with a/c wired (electrical 115-volt) smoke detectors. Each level and wing of a single family dwelling 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. Tenant/owners are advised to test and clean their smoke detectors 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 detectors. It is recommended that you replace any smoke detector (a/c wired or battery) after ten years. If you are unsure of the age of a smoke detector the date of manufacture is usually on a label affixed to the back.

How To Apply

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 located at 3430 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City.