Houses for rent in PG County Maryland: landlord guide 2026

Last updated 2026-07-24

Do I need a rental license to rent a house in Prince George's County?

Yes. Prince George's County Code Section 13-176 requires every person who rents or offers to rent a residential dwelling to hold a valid rental facility license ^[1]. This applies to single-family houses, duplexes, townhomes, and condos, regardless of how many properties you own. You must obtain the license before you advertise the property, sign a lease, or collect rent. The licensing program runs through the county's Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE). You submit an application, pay fees, pass an inspection, and renew annually. The county introduced mandatory rental licensing in 2006 to enforce minimum housing standards and maintain a registry of all rental properties ^[2]. Operating without a license carries a civil fine of $500 per day per violation ^[1]. The county also will not process eviction paperwork for unlicensed properties, which means you cannot legally remove a tenant if your license has lapsed. If you're managing someone else's property, the owner holds the license but you must be listed as the authorized agent. For help organizing your application documents and inspection prep checklist, RentalPermitPath offers an $79 rental packet builder that covers Prince George's County requirements. We're not a law firm and this is not legal advice; confirm current fees and deadlines with DPIE directly.

What does the rental license application process look like?

Start by registering online through the Prince George's County ePGC portal or submitting a paper Rental Facility License Application (form DER-596) to DPIE ^[2]. You'll need the property address, owner's legal name and contact information, the name of any property manager or agent, a copy of your Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license if you perform repairs yourself, proof of liability insurance (minimum $300,000), and a valid trading license if you operate as a business entity ^[2]. The application fee is $150 per property, plus $50 per dwelling unit as an annual license fee ^[2]. For a single-family house, you pay $200 total the first year. Payment is due at application; the county accepts checks, money orders, or credit cards through the online portal. Once DPIE receives your complete application and payment, they schedule an inspection within 10 to 15 business days. An inspector will visit the property to verify compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code and local amendments. You must pass this inspection before the county issues your license. If the property fails, you get a re-inspection list and must schedule a follow-up within 30 days. The first re-inspection is included; additional re-inspections cost $65 each ^[2]. After you pass, DPIE mails your rental facility license certificate. The license runs from the date of issue and expires one year later, not on a calendar-year basis. You'll receive a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. Miss the renewal deadline and you're operating illegally, which stops any eviction case in its tracks and opens you to daily fines.

What do inspectors check during a rental property inspection?

Prince George's County uses the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as its baseline, with local amendments that add specific requirements ^[3]. Inspectors look at structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and ventilation, fire safety, and general maintenance. Common failure points include missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, insufficient electrical outlets or GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms, leaking plumbing fixtures, broken windows or screens, peeling lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, inadequate ventilation in bathrooms, and exterior code violations like missing handrails or damaged siding. Every bedroom must have at least one working smoke detector, and you need at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of the house ^[3]. Electrical outlets must be grounded, with no open junction boxes or exposed wiring. Kitchens and bathrooms require GFCI outlets near water sources. All plumbing fixtures must be functional, with no leaks or sewer gas odors. The heating system must be capable of maintaining 68°F in all habitable rooms during winter ^[3]. Inspectors also check exterior features: roofs must be watertight, gutters and downspouts must drain away from the foundation, stairs need handrails if they have more than three risers, and the yard must be free of debris or hazardous conditions. If the house was built before 1978, the inspector looks for deteriorated lead-based paint, especially around windows and doorways. Any chipping, peeling, or chalking paint triggers a lead-paint abatement order ^[4]. The inspector generates a written report listing all deficiencies. You have 30 days to correct them and request a re-inspection. Some violations, like non-functional smoke detectors or exposed electrical wiring, may be flagged as immediate hazards requiring correction within 48 to 72 hours. The county does not issue your license until every item on the list is resolved. If you want a preview of what inspectors scrutinize, walk through your property with the IPMC checklist published by the International Code Council ^[3]. Focus on the big five: smoke and CO detectors, electrical grounding, plumbing leaks, heating capacity, and lead paint if your house was built before 1978. Fix those before the inspector arrives and you'll avoid most re-inspection fees.

How much does it cost to get and maintain a rental license?

The initial application costs $200 for a single-family house: a $150 application fee plus $50 for the first dwelling unit ^[2]. If your property fails the first inspection, the first re-inspection is included. Each additional re-inspection after that costs $65 ^[2]. If you need to correct a lead-paint violation, expect abatement costs from a certified contractor to run $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the extent of deterioration; the county does not subsidize this work. Annual renewal is $50 per unit, due before your license expiration date ^[2]. Late renewals incur a penalty of $75, and operating with an expired license triggers the $500-per-day fine ^[1]. The county mails renewal notices about 60 days in advance, but it's your responsibility to track your expiration date. Beyond licensing fees, budget for repairs identified during inspection. Common costs: installing hardwired smoke and CO detectors ($100 to $300 per detector installed), upgrading electrical outlets to GFCI ($50 to $150 per outlet), fixing plumbing leaks ($150 to $500 depending on severity), and repairing or replacing broken windows ($200 to $600 per window). If the inspector flags your furnace as inadequate, expect $3,000 to $6,000 for a new HVAC system. You also need liability insurance with at least $300,000 coverage ^[2]. Landlord policies in Prince George's County typically run $800 to $1,500 per year for a single-family house, depending on the property's age and claims history. Shop quotes from at least three insurers; bundling with your homeowner's policy sometimes yields a discount. Total first-year cost to license and prepare a typical single-family rental in good condition: around $1,200 to $2,000 (application, inspection, minor repairs, insurance). If the house needs major work, add thousands more. Ongoing annual cost: $50 license renewal plus insurance, so roughly $900 to $1,600 per year.

What are the key tenant rights and landlord obligations in Prince George's County?

Maryland law and Prince George's County ordinances set specific rules for security deposits, lease terms, notice periods, and eviction procedures. Security deposits cannot exceed two months' rent ^[5]. You must place the deposit in a Maryland bank account, provide the tenant with a receipt listing the account details and the landlord's name and address, and pay simple interest of 3% per year (compounded annually) on deposits held for six months or longer ^[5]. When the tenant moves out, you have 45 days to return the deposit with accrued interest, minus any documented deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. You must provide an itemized statement of deductions; if you don't, the tenant can sue for up to three times the withheld amount plus attorney fees ^[5]. Notice requirements depend on the type of tenancy. For month-to-month leases, you must give 30 days' written notice to terminate or raise the rent ^[5]. The same applies if the tenant wants to move out. For fixed-term leases, the lease automatically converts to month-to-month at the end of the term unless either party gives notice. You cannot raise the rent or change lease terms during a fixed term unless the lease specifically allows it. If you need to evict a tenant, Maryland requires you to file in district court and obtain a judgment. You cannot shut off utilities, change locks, or remove the tenant's belongings yourself; doing so is an illegal "self-help" eviction that exposes you to civil liability ^[6]. The most common eviction grounds are failure to pay rent, lease violations, and holding over after the lease ends. For nonpayment, you must first deliver a 10-day notice to pay rent or vacate ^[6]. If the tenant doesn't pay within 10 days, you can file for eviction. For lease violations (like unauthorized pets or occupants), you typically must give 30 days' notice to cure or vacate, though some violations allow for shorter notice. Tenants have the right to a safe, habitable property that meets all code requirements. If you fail to make necessary repairs after receiving written notice, the tenant can pay for the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent, or deposit rent into an escrow account with the court until you fix the problem ^[6]. The county's rental licensing inspection is one enforcement mechanism; tenants can also report code violations directly to DPIE, triggering a complaint-driven inspection and potential fines. For a deeper look at tenant protections, see our guide to tenant rights and renters rights under Maryland law.

How to become a landlord in Prince George's County: step-by-step

Becoming a landlord in Prince George's County means navigating both Maryland state law and county-specific rental regulations. Here's the full sequence: 1. Acquire the property and verify zoning. Make sure the property is zoned for residential rental use. Most single-family houses in residential zones are allowed, but some homeowner associations or deed restrictions prohibit rentals. Check with the county's zoning office if you're unsure. 2. Obtain liability insurance. Before you list the property, secure a landlord liability policy with at least $300,000 coverage ^[2]. Most insurers require an inspection or photos of the property before binding coverage. 3. Apply for your rental facility license. Submit form DER-596 and payment ($200 for a single-family house) to DPIE at least 30 days before you plan to accept tenants ^[2]. Attach proof of insurance, a copy of any property manager agreement, and your MHIC license if applicable. 4. Prepare the property for inspection. Walk through with the IPMC checklist. Install or test smoke and CO detectors, check all electrical outlets, fix any plumbing leaks, ensure the heating system works, and repair any exterior hazards. If the house was built before 1978, inspect for peeling paint and hire a certified lead-abatement contractor if needed ^[4]. 5. Pass the DPIE inspection. The inspector will schedule a visit within 10 to 15 business days of your application. Be present or send an agent with keys to all areas. If you fail, correct the deficiencies within 30 days and request a re-inspection. 6. Receive your license. Once you pass, DPIE mails your certificate. You're now legally allowed to advertise, show, and rent the property. 7. Draft a compliant lease. Your lease must include the landlord's name and address, the property address, the amount and due date of rent, the security deposit amount and bank details, the lease term, and any rules (like pet policies or smoking restrictions). Maryland law requires specific language about security deposits, lead paint (if built before 1978), and tenant rights ^[5]. You can find template leases from the Maryland Multi-Housing Association or hire a local attorney to draft one. We don't provide lease templates because we're not a law firm. 8. Screen tenants carefully. Check credit reports, verify employment and income (most landlords require income at least three times the monthly rent), contact previous landlords, and run a criminal background check if your lease or insurance policy requires it. Document your screening criteria and apply them consistently to avoid Fair Housing Act violations. 9. Collect the security deposit and first month's rent. Do this before handing over keys. Place the deposit in a Maryland bank account and give the tenant a receipt with account details ^[5]. 10. Conduct a move-in inspection. Walk through the property with the tenant, document the condition of every room, and both sign the inspection report. Take photos or video. This protects both of you when it's time to assess damage at move-out. 11. Renew your license annually. Mark your calendar for 60 days before expiration. Submit your renewal and $50 payment on time ^[2]. Some landlords set a recurring calendar reminder or pay as soon as the renewal notice arrives.

What is landlording and what does a landlord do day to day?

Landlording is the business of owning and managing residential rental property. A landlord is the property owner (or the owner's authorized agent) who leases space to tenants in exchange for rent. Day-to-day responsibilities include collecting rent, maintaining the property, responding to repair requests, enforcing lease terms, handling tenant turnover, and complying with all local, state, and federal housing regulations. Most small landlords spend 5 to 10 hours per month per property on routine tasks: depositing rent checks, paying property expenses (mortgage, insurance, utilities if included, property taxes), scheduling or performing minor repairs, and communicating with tenants. During turnover, the workload spikes: you'll spend 20 to 40 hours marketing the vacancy, screening applicants, coordinating move-out and move-in inspections, cleaning and repairing the unit, and processing security deposit returns. Emergency repairs, like a burst pipe or broken furnace in winter, can demand immediate attention regardless of the hour. Many landlords keep a list of licensed contractors (plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, locksmith) for after-hours calls. If you manage multiple properties, consider a property management company. They typically charge 8% to 12% of monthly rent and handle tenant placement, rent collection, repairs, and inspections. For a single house renting at $2,000 per month, that's $160 to $240 per month in management fees. Landlording also includes regulatory compliance: renewing your rental license, filing annual tax returns (rental income is taxable, but you can deduct expenses like repairs, insurance, property management fees, and depreciation), maintaining required insurance, and staying current with changes in landlord-tenant law. Maryland and Prince George's County update their codes periodically; what was allowed five years ago may be prohibited now.

Why do landlords require renters insurance?

Landlords require tenants to carry renters insurance because the landlord's property insurance does not cover the tenant's personal belongings or liability for damage the tenant causes. A typical renters insurance policy costs $15 to $30 per month and includes three components: personal property coverage (replaces the tenant's furniture, electronics, clothing, and other belongings if damaged by fire, theft, or covered perils), liability coverage (protects the tenant if they accidentally injure someone or damage someone else's property), and additional living expenses (pays for a hotel if the rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event) ^[7]. From the landlord's perspective, requiring renters insurance reduces disputes. If a tenant's negligence causes damage (for example, they leave a faucet running and flood the house, or start a kitchen fire), the tenant's liability coverage pays for repairs rather than the landlord having to sue the tenant or file a claim on the landlord's policy (which raises the landlord's premiums). It also means the tenant has the financial means to replace their belongings after a loss, reducing the chance they'll withhold rent or break the lease due to hardship. Many landlords include a renters insurance requirement in the lease, specifying a minimum liability limit (commonly $100,000 or $300,000) and requiring the tenant to name the landlord as an interested party on the policy. This lets the landlord receive notice if the tenant's policy lapses. Enforcement varies: some landlords ask for a copy of the policy declaration page at lease signing, others require annual proof of renewal. Renters insurance does not cover structural damage to the building (that's the landlord's responsibility under their property policy), nor does it cover the tenant's liability for normal wear and tear. It's strictly for the tenant's belongings and for damage the tenant causes through negligence or accident.

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering the property?

Maryland law does not set a specific statutory notice period for landlord entry, but common practice and most leases require at least 24 hours' advance notice except in emergencies ^[6]. The notice must state the reason for entry (such as a repair, inspection, or showing the property to prospective tenants or buyers) and the proposed date and time. You can deliver notice in person, by phone, by text, or by email if the lease allows electronic communication. Emergencies, like a burst pipe, gas leak, or fire, allow immediate entry without notice. Document the emergency and notify the tenant as soon as practical. For routine inspections, repairs, or showings, always give written notice. Most landlords schedule entries during business hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays) to minimize disruption. You cannot enter the property just to "check on things" without a legitimate reason. Tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment, meaning you can't harass them with frequent unannounced visits. If a tenant refuses reasonable entry for a necessary repair or inspection, document your notice and their refusal; repeated refusal can be grounds for lease termination if the lease includes a provision requiring tenant cooperation. Some landlords schedule annual or semi-annual inspections to check for maintenance issues or lease violations (like unauthorized pets or occupants). Always give notice for these. Take photos to document the property's condition, but respect the tenant's privacy: don't open drawers, cabinets, or personal containers unless the lease specifically permits it or you're investigating a suspected lease violation that requires it.

What can a landlord look at during an inspection, and what's off-limits?

During a scheduled inspection, you can examine any part of the property that affects its structural integrity, safety, or compliance with the lease and local codes. That includes walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, heating and cooling systems, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, appliances you provided, and common areas. You can look for unauthorized alterations (like painted walls if the lease prohibits it, installed fixtures, or removed smoke detectors), evidence of pest infestations, water damage, mold, or other maintenance issues, and lease violations such as unauthorized occupants, pets, or smoking if the lease restricts them. You cannot search through the tenant's personal belongings. Don't open closets, drawers, cabinets, or storage bins unless you see visible evidence of a code violation or lease breach emanating from them (for example, a strong odor suggesting an undisclosed pet, or visible water damage suggesting a hidden leak). Take photos of any issue you observe, but don't photograph the tenant's personal items, documents, or private spaces like the interior of a medicine cabinet. If you suspect a serious lease violation, like drug activity or illegal subletting, document what you observe in common view and consult an attorney before taking further action. Maryland courts take tenant privacy seriously; evidence obtained through an illegal search can't be used in an eviction case and may expose you to a lawsuit ^[6]. Some landlords use inspection checklists that cover each room and system methodically. This helps you stay focused on legitimate maintenance and compliance issues rather than the tenant's lifestyle or belongings. After the inspection, provide the tenant with a written summary of any issues you found and a reasonable timeline for them to address tenant-caused problems (like cleanliness or minor damage) or for you to address landlord-responsible repairs (like a leaking faucet or broken window).

What a landlord cannot do in Prince George's County (and Maryland generally)

Maryland and Prince George's County law prohibit several landlord actions, some of which parallel restrictions in other states like Ohio (since the provided question referenced Ohio, though the article is Maryland-focused). Here's what you cannot do: Self-help evictions: You cannot shut off utilities (water, electricity, gas, heat), change locks, remove doors or windows, or physically remove a tenant or their belongings to force them out ^[6]. Even if the tenant hasn't paid rent in months, you must go through the court eviction process. Illegal eviction exposes you to a lawsuit for damages, including the tenant's moving costs, temporary housing, and emotional distress, plus potential punitive damages and attorney fees. Retaliation: You cannot evict, refuse to renew a lease, or increase rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising a legal right, such as reporting code violations to DPIE, requesting repairs, joining a tenant union, or testifying against you in court ^[6]. Maryland law presumes retaliation if you take adverse action within six months of the tenant's protected activity; you must prove your action was for a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason. Discrimination: You cannot refuse to rent, set different terms, or evict based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income (including housing vouchers) . Prince George's County adds source of income as a protected class beyond the federal Fair Housing Act . Always apply the same screening criteria to all applicants and document your decisions. Enter without notice: Except in emergencies, you must give reasonable advance notice (typically 24 hours) before entering the property ^[6]. Repeated unannounced entries constitute harassment. Withhold essential services: You must maintain heat, hot water, electricity, and plumbing in working order at all times ^[3]. If a system breaks, you must arrange repairs promptly. Intentionally letting a system stay broken to pressure the tenant to move is illegal. Charge excessive fees: Maryland limits security deposits to two months' rent and requires you to pay interest ^[5]. Prince George's County does not allow you to charge non-refundable fees (like pet fees) in addition to the security deposit unless the lease clearly labels them as such and they are reasonable. Refuse to make repairs: If a tenant reports a code violation or maintenance issue in writing and you fail to address it within a reasonable time, the tenant can make the repair and deduct the cost from rent, or withhold rent and deposit it with the court until you fix the problem ^[6]. Violating these rules can result in fines, court judgments, loss of your rental license, and damage to your reputation. When in doubt, consult a Maryland landlord-tenant attorney before taking action. Many county and state bar associations offer lawyer referral services or low-cost consultations.

What rights do tenants have without a lease in Maryland?

Even without a written lease, tenants in Maryland have substantial legal protections. A verbal agreement or month-to-month tenancy still creates a landlord-tenant relationship governed by state law ^[6]. The tenant has the right to a habitable property that meets all health and safety codes, the right to quiet enjoyment (freedom from harassment or unannounced entries), the right to 30 days' written notice before you terminate the tenancy or raise the rent (for month-to-month arrangements), protection from illegal eviction and retaliation, and the right to the return of their security deposit within 45 days of move-out, with interest and an itemized statement of any deductions ^[5]. Without a written lease, disputes about the terms become harder to resolve. If there's a disagreement about whether pets were allowed, who pays utilities, or what the agreed rent was, the court will consider witness testimony, text messages, emails, rent receipts, and other evidence. This is one reason landlords should always use a written lease: it protects both parties by making the terms clear. If you currently have a tenant without a written lease, you can offer to sign one that documents the existing terms. Many tenants appreciate the clarity. If the tenant refuses, you can still enforce the basic rules: they must pay rent on time, not damage the property beyond normal wear, and comply with local codes. You can end the tenancy by giving 30 days' written notice (assuming month-to-month) ^[5]. Tenants without leases cannot be evicted instantly. You still must follow Maryland's eviction process: give proper notice, file in court, obtain a judgment, and wait for a sheriff to execute the writ of restitution. Illegal eviction (lockout, utility shutoff) is just as unlawful for month-to-month tenants as for tenants with signed leases. For more detail on tenant protections, see our articles on tenants rights and the differences between tenant and tenant arrangements in shared housing.

How often do I need to renew my rental license, and what happens if I forget?

Prince George's County rental facility licenses expire one year from the date of issue ^[2]. You must renew annually by submitting a renewal application and paying the $50 per-unit fee before expiration. The county mails a renewal notice about 60 days in advance, but you're responsible for tracking your expiration date even if you don't receive the notice. If you miss the deadline, the county imposes a $75 late fee on top of the $50 renewal fee ^[2]. If you continue to operate with an expired license, you're subject to the $500-per-day penalty for operating without a valid license ^[1]. The county can also refuse to process any eviction filings until your license is current. This means if a tenant stops paying rent while your license is expired, you cannot legally evict them until you renew, which can cost you months of lost rent. Some landlords set up a recurring calendar reminder 90 days before expiration, giving time to gather any updated documents (like proof of insurance or a new property manager agreement) and submit the renewal without rushing. Others pay the renewal as soon as they receive the notice. The county does not automatically renew licenses or charge your credit card on file; you must take action each year. If your license expires and you later renew, the new license term runs for one year from the renewal date, not from the original expiration. This can shift your renewal cycle, so update your calendar accordingly. Renewing on time is one of the simplest ways to avoid major headaches. It costs less than one day's rent on a typical house and takes 15 minutes online. Missing it can cost you hundreds in fines and thousands in lost rent if you can't evict a non-paying tenant.

Frequently asked questions

How to become a landlord in Prince George's County?

Acquire a property, obtain liability insurance (minimum $300,000), apply for a rental facility license through DPIE ($200 for a single-family house), pass a code inspection, receive your license, draft a Maryland-compliant lease, screen tenants, collect deposits, conduct a move-in inspection, and renew your license annually.

Who is responsible for rental property walk-through inspection in California?

This article covers Maryland. In California, landlords must offer a pre-move-out inspection 14 to 21 days before the lease ends, giving tenants a chance to fix issues. The landlord conducts the inspection but must provide the tenant with a written statement of deficiencies. This is not required in Maryland, though move-in and move-out inspections are still best practice.

What is landlording?

Landlording is the business of owning and managing residential rental property. It includes collecting rent, maintaining the property, handling repairs, enforcing lease terms, screening and placing tenants, complying with housing regulations, and managing finances like taxes and insurance.

What is a landlord?

A landlord is the owner of rental property (or the owner's authorized agent) who leases residential space to tenants in exchange for rent. The landlord holds legal responsibility for maintaining the property, complying with codes, and following landlord-tenant law.

What rights do tenants have without a lease in Maryland?

Tenants without a written lease still have the right to a habitable property, 30 days' notice before termination or rent increase (for month-to-month tenancy), protection from illegal eviction and retaliation, quiet enjoyment, and return of their security deposit with interest within 45 days of move-out. State law governs the relationship even without a signed document.

How to be a landlord in Prince George's County?

Get licensed through DPIE, maintain the property to code, collect rent on time, respond to repair requests promptly, enforce your lease terms fairly, follow Maryland notice and eviction procedures, keep detailed records, and renew your license annually. Treat tenants professionally and document everything.

Why do landlords require renters insurance?

Renters insurance protects tenants' belongings and provides liability coverage if the tenant causes damage. It reduces disputes because the tenant's policy pays for damage they cause (like fire or flooding), rather than the landlord's insurance or a lawsuit. It also ensures tenants can replace belongings after a loss without financial hardship.

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Maryland?

Maryland law doesn't specify a statutory period, but common practice and most leases require 24 hours' advance written notice for non-emergency entry (repairs, inspections, showings). Emergencies like burst pipes or fire allow immediate entry. Always state the reason and proposed time of entry.

What can a landlord look at during an inspection?

You can inspect walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances you own, smoke detectors, and any area affecting safety or lease compliance. You can look for unauthorized alterations, pests, water damage, or lease violations. You cannot search tenants' personal belongings, drawers, or containers without visible evidence of a violation.

What a landlord cannot do in Ohio?

This article covers Maryland, but the principles are similar: no self-help evictions (no lockouts or utility shutoffs), no retaliation for tenants exercising legal rights, no discrimination, no entry without notice except emergencies, no withholding essential services, and no excessive fees. Ohio has similar rules under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321; consult an Ohio attorney for state-specific details.

Can I rent a house in Prince George's County without a license?

No. County code requires every rental property to have a valid license before you advertise, sign a lease, or collect rent. Operating without a license carries a $500-per-day fine and prevents you from filing eviction cases. You must apply, pass inspection, and receive your license before renting.

How long does it take to get a rental license in Prince George's County?

DPIE schedules inspections within 10 to 15 business days of receiving your complete application and payment. If you pass on the first visit, you'll receive your license certificate within another 7 to 10 business days. Budget 4 to 6 weeks total if the property is ready. Failed inspections and re-inspection scheduling can add weeks or months.

What happens if I fail the rental property inspection?

The inspector gives you a written list of deficiencies. You have 30 days to correct them and request a re-inspection. The first re-inspection is included in your application fee; additional re-inspections cost $65 each. The county won't issue your license until you pass. Operating before you pass is illegal.

How do I renew my rental license in Prince George's County?

Submit a renewal application and $50 per unit before your current license expires (it expires one year from issue). The county mails a notice about 60 days early, but you're responsible for tracking the date. Late renewals incur a $75 penalty. Renew online through the ePGC portal or mail a paper form to DPIE.

Sources

1. Prince George's County Code, Section 13-176: Rental facility licenses are required for all residential rentals; operating without one incurs a $500-per-day penalty.
2. Prince George's County DPIE Rental Facility License Information: Application fee is $150, annual license fee is $50 per unit, first re-inspection included, additional re-inspections $65; proof of insurance and inspection required.
3. International Code Council, 2018 International Property Maintenance Code: IPMC sets standards for smoke detectors, electrical safety, plumbing, heating (68°F in habitable rooms), and structural maintenance; Prince George's County adopts this code with local amendments.
4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule: Pre-1978 homes must be checked for deteriorated lead paint; landlords must disclose known lead hazards and provide EPA pamphlet.
5. Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 8-203, § 8-203.1: Security deposits limited to two months' rent; must be held in Maryland bank, 3% annual interest, returned within 45 days with itemized statement; month-to-month tenancies require 30 days' notice to terminate or raise rent.
6. Maryland Attorney General's Office, Tenants' Rights in Maryland: Covers illegal eviction, retaliation, right to repairs, notice for entry, and eviction procedures; no self-help evictions permitted.
7. Prince George's County Human Relations Commission, Fair Housing: Prince George's County prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income in addition to federal Fair Housing Act protected classes.