Houses for rent in PG Maryland: landlord registration and licensing guide

Last updated 2026-07-24

What rental license do you need for a house in Prince George's County?

Every rental house in Prince George's County must have a Rental Housing License issued by the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE). ^[1] This applies whether you own a single detached house, a townhouse, or a condominium you're renting out. The license proves your property meets county housing code standards and that you've registered as a landlord. The license costs $85 to $125 per unit depending on the number of units you own in the county, plus a $50 one-time application fee for new landlords. ^[2] You pay the fee when you submit your application, and the county schedules an inspection within a few weeks. If your property passes, the license is valid for three years. If it fails, you fix the violations, request a re-inspection (usually $40), and get licensed once everything clears. ^[2] You cannot legally rent a house in Prince George's County without this license. Renting an unlicensed property carries fines starting at $500 per violation per day. ^[1] The county cross-references rental ads, utility accounts, and complaint reports to find unlicensed units, and enforcement has ramped up since 2018. If you own five or more rental units anywhere in Maryland, you also need to register as a rental property manager with the Maryland Department of Labor. That's a separate state requirement with its own $100 fee and renewal cycle. ^[3] Most single-house landlords won't hit that threshold, but if you're scaling up or already own multiple properties, add it to your checklist.

How much does a rental housing license cost in Prince George's County?

1-4 units	$125 per unit	$50
5-24 units	$110 per unit	$50
25+ units	$85 per unit	$50	For a single rental house (one unit), you'll pay $50 application + $125 license = $175 total at first application. At renewal every three years, you pay only the $125 license fee. If your house is a duplex (two units), you pay $50 + ($125 × 2) = $300 initially. Re-inspection fees run $40 per visit if you fail the initial inspection and need a follow-up. [2] Most landlords face one re-inspection on average, adding $40 to the startup cost. Budget $200-250 all-in for your first license on a single-family house. Payment is online or by check. The county does not prorate fees if you apply mid-cycle; you pay the full three-year license fee regardless of when you start. If you sell the property, the license does not transfer; the new owner applies fresh.

The fee structure is tiered by the total number of rental units you own county-wide, not by property. ^[2] | Number of Units | License Fee Per Unit | Application Fee (First-Time Only) |

What does the rental housing inspection cover?

Prince George's County inspectors check compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code, focusing on structural safety, electrical, plumbing, heating, and sanitation. ^[1] The inspection happens at the property after you apply for the license, typically within 3-4 weeks of your application date. Common violations that trigger a fail: - Missing or non-working smoke alarms (required in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level including basement). ^[4]

• Missing or non-working carbon monoxide detectors (required on every level and outside sleeping areas if you have fuel-burning equipment or an attached garage). ^[4]
• Electrical hazards: open junction boxes, ungrounded outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, overloaded circuits, missing cover plates.
• Plumbing leaks, dripping faucets, or water damage (stained ceilings, peeling paint near fixtures).
• HVAC issues: no heat source capable of maintaining 68°F, broken thermostat, blocked vents.
• Windows that don't open, missing screens, cracked glass, or broken locks.
• Peeling or chipping paint (especially in houses built before 1978, where lead paint is presumed).
• Handrail and guardrail defects: missing, loose, or wrong height (guardrails must be at least 36 inches, handrails 34-38 inches). ^[5]
• Exterior drainage problems, missing downspouts, or standing water near the foundation. Inspectors do not evaluate cosmetic issues like wall color or outdated fixtures unless they create a code violation (a rusted sink that leaks counts; an ugly sink does not). They also check that the unit count and layout match your application. If you converted a basement or attic into living space without a permit, expect a stop-work order and a failed inspection. You or your contractor can be present during the inspection, and you should be. The inspector will hand you a report on the spot or email it within a few days. Violations are categorized as Class I (immediate hazard, must fix within days) or Class II (standard defect, 30 days to fix). ^[1] Most first-time landlord violations are Class II. Once you've corrected everything, you call the county to schedule a re-inspection.

How long does it take to get a rental housing license?

Plan for 60 to 90 days from application to licensed status if everything goes smoothly. Here's the realistic timeline: - Application submission: you complete the online form, upload proof of ownership, pay the fee. Processing takes 5-7 business days. ^[2]

• Inspection scheduling: the county calls or emails within 2-3 weeks to set an inspection date. You pick a slot, usually 7-14 days out.
• Initial inspection: the inspector spends 45-90 minutes on site. You get the report same-day or within 48 hours.
• Correction period: if you fail (most do), you have up to 30 days to fix Class II violations. Class I violations need immediate attention. Repairs typically take 1-3 weeks depending on contractor availability.
• Re-inspection: you request it online once repairs are done. The county schedules it within 7-10 days. If you pass, your license is issued within 3-5 business days. If you fail the re-inspection, add another 2-3 weeks per cycle. Two re-inspections (three total visits) push your timeline to 100+ days. That's why pre-inspection prep matters. You cannot place tenants in the house until the license is issued. Signing a lease before you're licensed is legal, but occupancy is not. Most landlords apply 90 days before they want a tenant to move in, giving themselves a 30-day buffer. If you're buying a rental property, apply for the license as soon as you close; don't wait until you're ready to advertise.

How do you become a landlord in Prince George's County?

Becoming a landlord means legally offering a property for rent and managing the tenant relationship. In Prince George's County, you'll need to complete six administrative steps before you can collect rent. 1. Get your rental housing license from DPIE (covered above). Apply online at the county permitting portal, pay the fee, pass the inspection. This is your legal permission to rent. 2. Obtain a county business license. Prince George's County requires anyone earning income in the county to hold a business license, and rental income counts. ^[6] The license costs $35-75 depending on your entity type (sole proprietor vs LLC) and renews annually. You apply through the county revenue authority. 3. Register with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation if you form an LLC or corporation to hold the property. Most single-house landlords operate as sole proprietors and skip this, but an LLC offers liability protection. Filing costs $100 for a Maryland LLC and takes about a week online. ^[7] 4. Get a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you have an LLC or plan to hire anyone (like a property manager or maintenance worker). It's free and instant online. ^[8] Sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number instead, though an EIN is still a good idea for tax and banking separation. 5. Open a separate bank account for the rental property. Maryland law doesn't require it, but functionally you need it to track income and expenses, hold security deposits in compliance with state law (deposits must be held in a Maryland financial institution and may not be commingled with personal funds), and survive an IRS audit. ^[9] 6. Buy landlord insurance. A standard homeowner's policy doesn't cover rental activity. You need a dwelling fire policy (DP-3) or landlord policy with liability coverage of at least $1 million. ^[10] Expect $1,000-1,500 per year for a single-family house in PG County, more if the house is vacant between tenants. Lenders require it if you have a mortgage. Once these are complete, you're legally a landlord. You can advertise the house, screen tenants, sign a lease, and collect rent. The entire setup takes 60-120 days if you're starting from scratch, less if you're adding a second property.

What does landlording actually involve day-to-day?

Landlording is the business of owning and managing rental property. It's not passive income. You're responsible for three ongoing jobs: maintenance and repairs, tenant relations, and legal compliance. Maintenance means responding to repair requests (typically 2-4 per year for a single-family house), arranging preventive service (HVAC twice a year, gutters annually, water heater every 1-2 years), and handling emergencies (burst pipes, no heat in winter, roof leaks). Maryland law requires you to make repairs within a reasonable time after notice; "reasonable" is usually 7-10 days for non-emergencies, same-day for hazards like no heat or no water. ^[9] If you don't make repairs, tenants can withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or break the lease without penalty. Tenant relations means collecting rent (you'll chase late payments 1-2 times a year even with good tenants), renewing leases or finding new tenants (turnover averages every 2-3 years), handling complaints, and enforcing lease rules. You'll spend 3-5 hours a month on communication and paperwork for a single house, more during turnover months. Legal compliance means following Maryland landlord-tenant law, Prince George's County rental housing rules, and federal fair housing law. You must provide a habitable dwelling, return security deposits with an itemized statement within 45 days of move-out (minus lawful deductions), give proper notice before entering (usually 24 hours in Maryland), and never retaliate against tenants who complain to code enforcement or withhold rent for legitimate repair issues. ^[9] Violations can cost you the security deposit (you forfeit the right to keep any of it if you don't return it on time), plus penalties and attorney's fees if the tenant sues. Most small landlords spend 8-12 hours a month on landlording tasks. It spikes to 40+ hours during tenant turnover (cleaning, repairs, showings, screening, lease signing). You can hire a property manager to handle all of it, but expect to pay 8-10% of gross rent plus lease-up fees. For a $2,000/month house, that's $2,400-3,000 per year, which eats most or all of your cash flow if your mortgage is high.

What are tenant rights in Maryland without a lease?

Tenants who never signed a written lease or whose lease expired and rolled month-to-month have the same legal protections as tenants with active leases under Maryland law. The lack of a written lease does not make the tenancy "unofficial" or unprotected. ^[9] Key tenant rights in Maryland regardless of lease status: - Habitable housing: you must maintain the property in compliance with housing codes, provide heat, hot water, working plumbing and electrical systems, and make repairs within a reasonable time. ^[9]

• Security deposit protections: you must hold the deposit in a Maryland bank, provide a receipt and the account details in writing within 15 days of receiving it, pay simple interest (currently 1.5% per year), and return the deposit with an itemized statement within 45 days of move-out. ^[9] Tenants without leases get the same deposit rights as lease-holding tenants.
• Notice before entry: you must give reasonable notice (Maryland courts have interpreted this as 24 hours in most cases) before entering the rental, except in emergencies. No lease doesn't mean no privacy.
• Protection from illegal eviction: you cannot lock out a tenant, shut off utilities, or remove their belongings without a court order, even if there's no lease. ^[9] You must file an eviction case in district court, win a judgment, and have the sheriff remove the tenant.
• Retaliation protection: you cannot evict, raise rent, or decrease services in retaliation for a tenant filing a complaint with code enforcement, joining a tenant union, or withholding rent for legitimate repair issues. ^[9] The law presumes retaliation if you take action within 6 months of the tenant's protected activity. Without a written lease, the tenancy defaults to month-to-month. You can terminate it by giving one full rental period's notice (if rent is due on the 1st, you must give notice by the 1st to terminate at the end of the following month). ^[9] The tenant has the same notice requirement to vacate. But you cannot shorten the notice period below one month just because there's no lease. You also cannot change the rent or rules mid-tenancy without notice. If you want to raise rent on a month-to-month tenant, you must give at least one full rental period's notice (two months if you're in Montgomery County, which has stricter rules). Springing a rent increase with 10 days' notice is illegal. The lack of a lease does make disputes messier because there's no written record of agreed terms. But tenants without leases are not "squatters" or "guests," and you cannot treat them as such. If they've been paying rent and living there with your permission, they're tenants with full legal rights.

Why do landlords require renters insurance in Maryland?

Landlords require renters insurance because the landlord's property insurance does not cover the tenant's personal belongings or liability for damage the tenant causes. If a tenant's candle starts a fire, or their overflowing bathtub floods the unit below, the landlord's policy covers the building structure but not the tenant's couch, laptop, or legal liability to other tenants. ^[10] Renters insurance costs $15-25 per month for a standard policy with $30,000-50,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000-300,000 in liability coverage. ^[10] It's cheap because the risk pool is large and claims are infrequent. Most policies also cover the tenant's additional living expenses if the rental becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss (fire, storm, burst pipe), paying for a hotel while repairs are made. Landlords benefit in three ways: 1. Liability transfer: if the tenant causes damage to the property (burns a hole in the carpet, breaks a window, damages appliances), their renters policy can cover it, sparing you a fight over the security deposit or a small claims suit. 2. Loss mitigation: if a tenant's belongings are damaged in a fire or flood, they're far less likely to sue you claiming negligence if their own insurance already paid them. Uninsured tenants are litigation risks. 3. Proof of responsibility: requiring renters insurance selects for tenants who follow through on obligations and understand contracts. It's a low-cost reliability signal. You can require renters insurance as a lease condition in Maryland. About 60% of landlords do. ^[10] If you require it, specify the minimum liability coverage ($100,000 is standard) and require the tenant to name you as an "interested party" on the policy. That way the insurer notifies you if the policy lapses, and you can cure it (buy a policy and charge the tenant) or issue a lease violation notice. You cannot require the tenant to buy the insurance from a specific company or agent. That's an illegal kickback. You can recommend companies, but the choice is theirs.

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

Maryland notice requirements depend on the action you're taking and the type of tenancy. Here's what the law requires in each situation. ^[9] To terminate a month-to-month tenancy: one full rental period's notice. If the tenant pays monthly and rent is due on the 1st, you must give written notice by the 1st of the month to terminate the tenancy at the end of the following month. So a notice on May 1 ends the tenancy on June 30. A notice on May 15 doesn't terminate until July 31. ^[9] To terminate a week-to-week tenancy: one week's notice. These are rare. To raise rent: at least one full rental period's notice for month-to-month tenants. You cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. ^[9] To enter the property: "reasonable notice," which Maryland courts have interpreted as 24 hours in most circumstances. The law doesn't specify, but 24 hours is the practical standard. You can enter without notice in an emergency (fire, flood, gas leak, broken pipe). ^[9] To evict for nonpayment of rent: no notice is required before filing. You can file an eviction case in district court the day after rent is late. ^[9] But as a practical matter, most landlords send a "pay or quit" notice giving the tenant 3-7 days to pay before filing. It's not required, but it often resolves the issue and saves you the filing fee. To evict for lease violations: you must give the tenant a written notice to "cure or quit," allowing a reasonable time to fix the violation (typically 7-14 days) before you can file an eviction case. ^[9] If the violation is incurable (illegal activity, repeated lease breaches), you can give a notice to vacate and file immediately if they don't leave. To evict at the end of a fixed-term lease: no notice is required. The lease simply expires. But if the tenant holds over (stays after the lease ends without renewing), you must give one month's notice to terminate the resulting month-to-month tenancy before you can file an eviction. ^[9] All notices must be in writing. Maryland accepts service by first-class mail, hand delivery, or posting on the door if the tenant is absent. Certified mail is not required, but it's smart because it gives you proof of delivery if you end up in court.

What can a landlord look at during an inspection in Maryland?

Maryland law allows landlords to inspect rental property to check for damage, code violations, and lease compliance, but the inspection must respect the tenant's right to "quiet enjoyment" of the premises. ^[9] You can inspect any part of the property you own and the tenant rents, but you must give reasonable notice (24 hours is standard) and conduct the inspection during reasonable hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays is safe). ^[9] You can inspect: - Every room, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets.

• Appliances, plumbing fixtures, HVAC systems, and electrical panels to verify they're in working order and not damaged or misused.
• Walls, floors, ceilings, and windows for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they're installed and functional (you're legally required to maintain these). ^[4]
• The exterior, yard, garage, and any storage areas included in the lease. You can look for lease violations like unauthorized pets, extra occupants not on the lease, smoking evidence if the lease prohibits it, or alterations made without permission (painted walls, installed shelves, replaced fixtures). You can take photos during the inspection, and you should. Photos are essential evidence if you later need to withhold part of the security deposit or prove a lease violation in court. You cannot: - Search through drawers, cabinets, personal belongings, or closed containers. You're inspecting the condition of your property, not conducting a police search. If a closet is accessible and you can see damage or a lease violation in plain view, that's fair game. But you cannot open a tenant's suitcase, filing cabinet, or jewelry box.
• Enter without notice except in emergencies. Showing up unannounced "just to check on things" violates the tenant's rights and can result in a lawsuit for invasion of privacy or constructive eviction. ^[9]
• Conduct unreasonably frequent inspections. Quarterly inspections (every 3 months) are generally accepted. Monthly or weekly inspections will be viewed as harassment unless there's a documented repair issue that requires monitoring. ^[9]
• Use information obtained during an inspection for purposes unrelated to the tenancy. If you see prescription medication or religious items and later discriminate based on disability or religion, you've violated fair housing law. If you find a lease violation during an inspection, document it with photos and written notes, then send the tenant a written cure-or-quit notice describing the violation and giving them time to fix it (typically 14 days). If you find damage, document it the same way and discuss it with the tenant. You can charge for repairs beyond normal wear and tear at move-out, but you need evidence that the damage didn't exist at move-in (this is why move-in inspection reports with photos are essential).

What a landlord cannot do in Maryland (and nationwide)

Maryland law and federal law impose hard limits on landlord conduct. Violating these rules can cost you the tenant's security deposit, actual damages, penalties, and attorney's fees if the tenant sues. ^[9] You cannot discriminate in advertising, screening, leasing, or tenancy terms based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status (having children), national origin, or disability. That's federal law under the Fair Housing Act. Maryland adds marital status and sexual orientation to the protected list. ^[9] Prince George's County adds source of income (you cannot refuse Section 8 vouchers). Discrimination includes refusing to rent, quoting different terms, asking different questions during screening, or providing different services or access to amenities. You cannot retaliate against a tenant for filing a code complaint, requesting repairs, withholding rent for legitimate habitability issues, or joining a tenant organization. ^[9] Retaliation includes eviction, rent increases, lease non-renewal, decreasing services, or harassment. Maryland law presumes retaliation if you act within 6 months of the tenant's protected activity, and you have to prove your action was for a legitimate, non-retaliatory reason. ^[9] You cannot "self-help" evict: no locking the tenant out, shutting off utilities, removing doors or windows, or taking the tenant's belongings, even if rent is overdue or the lease has expired. ^[9] You must file an eviction case in court, win a judgment, and have the sheriff carry out the eviction. Self-help eviction can result in a lawsuit for illegal eviction, and you'll owe the tenant damages, moving costs, and attorney's fees. ^[9] You cannot enter without notice except in emergencies. Repeated unannounced entries, even if you own the property, violate the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and can be grounds for constructive eviction (the tenant moves out and sues you for breach). ^[9] You cannot keep the security deposit without an itemized statement delivered within 45 days of move-out. ^[9] If you miss the deadline, you forfeit the right to keep any of the deposit, even if the tenant caused $5,000 in damage. The itemization must list each deduction with a description and cost. "Cleaning: $300" is not sufficient. "Replace bedroom carpet damaged by pet urine, $300" is. You cannot charge fees not authorized by the lease. Maryland law allows you to charge late fees, but only if the lease specifies the amount and conditions. ^[9] You cannot invent fees ("inspection fee," "lease renewal fee," "processing fee") mid-tenancy. If it's not in the lease, you can't charge it. You cannot refuse to make repairs required by the warranty of habitability: heat, hot water, weatherproofing, working plumbing and electrical, no health hazards, no structural defects. ^[9] If you ignore repair requests for these essentials, tenants can withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or break the lease. You also cannot retaliate against a tenant for asking for repairs. You cannot discriminate against families with children by refusing to rent to them, requiring them to live on the ground floor, or imposing rules like "no children in the pool after 5 p.m." unless the rule applies to all tenants regardless of age. The only exception is housing specifically designated and qualified as senior housing (55+ or 62+ communities). Prince George's County adds a few local rules: you cannot refuse to accept a housing voucher as a source of income (source-of-income discrimination is illegal in the county), and you cannot charge more than two months' rent as a security deposit (one month is typical, two is the legal max). ^[9] If you're managing properties in other Maryland counties or states, check local rules; many jurisdictions add restrictions beyond state law.

How RentalPermitPath helps Prince George's County landlords get licensed faster

Getting licensed in Prince George's County involves more paperwork and inspection prep than most first-time landlords expect. You're juggling the rental housing license, the county business license, Maryland registration (if you own 5+ units), lease compliance, and inspection readiness, all with different agencies and deadlines. RentalPermitPath's $79 one-time City Rental License & Inspection Prep Packet gives you a single checklist and all the county-specific forms, fee schedules, and inspection standards for Prince George's County in one place. You get a pre-inspection walkthrough guide that flags the violations that trip up 80% of first-time applicants (smoke alarms, CO detectors, electrical covers, handrails), plus a timeline calculator so you know when to apply based on your target move-in date. It's not legal advice and we're not a law firm, but it's the system landlords with 10+ units use to avoid re-inspection loops and get licensed in one pass. You can build your custom packet at /rental-packet-builder, filtered to Prince George's County's current requirements. The packet updates as county rules change, so you're working from the current ordinance and fee schedule, not outdated blog posts from 2019.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a rental license for a single-family house in Prince George's County?

Yes. Every rental dwelling in Prince George's County requires a Rental Housing License, including single-family houses, townhouses, and condos. The license costs $125 per unit (plus a $50 first-time application fee), includes an inspection, and renews every three years. Renting without a license risks fines of $500 per day.

How long does it take to get a rental housing license in PG County?

Plan for 60 to 90 days from application to license issuance. The timeline includes application processing (5-7 days), inspection scheduling (2-3 weeks), the inspection itself, a correction period if you fail (up to 30 days), and re-inspection scheduling (7-10 days). Apply 90 days before you want tenants to move in.

What happens if my rental property fails the inspection?

You get a written report listing the violations, categorized as Class I (immediate hazard) or Class II (standard defect). You have up to 30 days to fix Class II violations, less for Class I. Once repairs are done, you request a re-inspection (typically $40). If you pass, the license is issued within 3-5 days.

Can I rent out my house in PG County while waiting for the license?

No. You cannot legally allow tenants to occupy the property until the Rental Housing License is issued. You can sign a lease before the license is issued, but occupancy must wait until you're licensed. Renting an unlicensed unit carries fines starting at $500 per violation per day.

Do I need a business license to be a landlord in Prince George's County?

Yes. Prince George's County requires anyone earning income in the county to hold a business license, and rental income counts. The license costs $35-75 depending on your entity type and renews annually. You apply through the county revenue authority, separate from the rental housing license.

What is the main responsibility of a landlord?

A landlord's core responsibility is providing a habitable dwelling that meets housing code standards: working heat, hot water, plumbing, electrical systems, weatherproofing, and no health hazards. You must make repairs within a reasonable time after notice, typically 7-10 days for non-emergencies, immediately for hazards like no heat or no water.

Can tenants legally withhold rent in Maryland if I don't make repairs?

Yes. If you fail to make repairs that affect habitability (heat, water, major plumbing or electrical issues), tenants can withhold rent, pay for repairs and deduct the cost from rent, or break the lease without penalty. They must give you written notice and a reasonable time to fix the issue first, typically 7-10 days.

How much notice do I need to give before entering my rental property in Maryland?

Maryland law requires "reasonable notice," which courts interpret as 24 hours in most cases. You must also enter during reasonable hours (typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays). You can enter without notice only in emergencies like fire, flood, gas leak, or broken pipes.

Can I require my tenants to have renters insurance in Prince George's County?

Yes. Maryland law allows landlords to require renters insurance as a lease condition. You can specify minimum liability coverage ($100,000 is standard) and require the tenant to name you as an interested party. You cannot require them to buy from a specific company or agent. About 60% of Maryland landlords require it.

What is the security deposit limit in Prince George's County?

Maryland law caps security deposits at two months' rent, but one month is typical. You must hold the deposit in a Maryland financial institution, provide the tenant with account details and a receipt within 15 days, pay simple interest (currently 1.5% per year), and return it with an itemized statement within 45 days of move-out.

Can I evict a tenant without a written lease in Maryland?

Not immediately. Tenants without written leases or whose leases have expired are month-to-month tenants with full legal protections. You must give one full rental period's notice to terminate the tenancy. If they don't leave, you must file an eviction case in court, win a judgment, and have the sheriff carry out the eviction. Self-help eviction is illegal.

What can a landlord not do during a rental inspection in Maryland?

You cannot search through drawers, cabinets, or personal belongings. You cannot enter without 24 hours' notice except in emergencies. You cannot conduct unreasonably frequent inspections (more than quarterly without cause). You can inspect every room and fixture you own, document damage, and look for lease violations in plain view, but you must respect tenant privacy.

What are the most common rental inspection failures in Prince George's County?

The top failures are missing or non-working smoke alarms (required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level), missing CO detectors, electrical hazards (open boxes, missing cover plates, ungrounded outlets), plumbing leaks, peeling paint, HVAC issues (can't maintain 68°F), and missing or loose handrails. About 60-70% of first-time landlords fail on at least one of these.

Do I need to register with the state of Maryland as a landlord?

Only if you own five or more rental units anywhere in Maryland. In that case, you must register as a rental property manager with the Maryland Department of Labor. The registration costs $100, requires a disclosure of all your rental addresses, and renews every two years. Single-house landlords with fewer than five units are exempt.

Sources

1. Prince George's County Code, Title 13, Subtitle 1: Rental Housing Licensing: Every rental dwelling in Prince George's County must have a Rental Housing License; violations carry fines starting at $500 per day; inspections enforce International Property Maintenance Code compliance.
2. Prince George's County DPIE Rental Housing License Fees: License fees are $85-125 per unit depending on portfolio size, plus a $50 application fee; re-inspections cost $40; licenses renew every three years.
3. Maryland Code, Public Safety Article § 9-104 (smoke alarms) and § 9-105 (carbon monoxide detectors): Smoke alarms required in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level; carbon monoxide detectors required on every level and outside sleeping areas if fuel-burning equipment or attached garage present.
4. International Code Council, International Property Maintenance Code Section 1013: Guards and Handrails: Guardrails must be at least 36 inches high; handrails must be 34-38 inches high measured from the nosing of the stair tread.
5. Prince George's County Revenue Authority, Business Licensing: Prince George's County requires a business license for anyone earning income in the county; rental income requires a license costing $35-75 annually depending on entity type.
6. Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, Business Filings: Maryland LLC formation costs $100 and can be completed online; registration with the state is required for all business entities.
7. Internal Revenue Service, Employer ID Numbers: EINs are free and can be obtained instantly online; required for LLCs, corporations, or businesses with employees.
8. Maryland Code, Real Property Article, Title 8: Landlord and Tenant: Security deposits must be held in Maryland institutions, itemized within 45 days of move-out, and earn interest; landlords must provide habitability, reasonable notice before entry, and cannot self-help evict; retaliation is presumed within 6 months of protected tenant activity; month-to-month tenancies require one full rental period's notice to terminate.
9. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Housing Act: Discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability is prohibited; violations can result in damages, penalties, and attorney's fees.
10. Prince George's County Human Relations Code, Source of Income Discrimination: Prince George's County prohibits landlords from refusing to rent based on source of income, including housing vouchers (Section 8).