PG County rental license: requirements, fees, and inspection guide

Last updated 2026-07-24

Does Prince George's County require a rental license?

Yes. Prince George's County mandates a rental facility license for every residential property offered for rent, whether it's a single-family house, duplex, townhouse, condominium, or apartment building ^[1]. This requirement lives in the county code under Division 13 of Subtitle 13, covering all structures with one or more dwelling units rented or offered for rental occupancy ^[2]. The law makes no exception for property size, tenant type, or duration of lease. If you collect rent from a tenant in PG County, you need the license. That includes basement apartments in owner-occupied homes, condos you bought as investments, and inherited houses you're now leasing out. Owner-occupied properties get a different fee structure and slightly relaxed inspection intervals, but the license itself is still mandatory. The county treats this as a public-health and safety threshold: unlicensed rental housing can't legally accept tenants, and operating without a license triggers civil fines starting at $500 per violation ^[2]. You apply through the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE). The application triggers an inspection, and the license only issues after your property passes.

What does a PG County rental license cost?

Fees depend on whether you live in one unit of the property. For owner-occupied buildings (you live on-site in one of the units), the license costs $165 per year ^[3]. For non-owner-occupied properties, the fee is $250 annually ^[3]. Those are base licensing fees. If your property fails the initial inspection, you'll pay a reinspection fee of $100 for each follow-up visit until all violations clear ^[3]. Most landlords hit one reinspection; budget an extra $100 unless you're confident every outlet, railing, and smoke detector is code-compliant. Licenses expire every year on June 30, regardless of when you first applied ^[1]. Renewal costs the same as the initial license: $165 or $250. Miss the deadline and you're operating illegally; the county can issue a citation before you even realize the license lapsed. There's no proration. Apply in May and you still pay the full annual fee for two months of coverage, then the renewal fee in July. The county runs on a fiscal-year cycle and doesn't adjust.

How do I apply for a rental license in Prince George's County?

Start at the DPIE One-Stop Shop, located at 9400 Peppercorn Place, Suite 200, Largo, Maryland 20774 ^[4]. You can also begin the process online through the county's ePlan portal, though you'll still need to submit documents and pay fees either in person or by mail ^[4]. You'll need: • A completed rental facility license application (form RFL-1, available on the DPIE website) • Proof of property ownership (deed or settlement statement) • A Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license number if you're acting as your own general contractor for repairs • Payment for the license fee ($165 or $250) • Your contact information and the property address Once you submit the application, DPIE schedules an inspection within two to four weeks. You'll receive a notice with the date and time window. Inspections typically happen during business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays), and you or your agent must be present to provide access ^[4]. If the property passes, the license issues within 10 business days. If it fails, you get a written violation notice listing every deficiency. You fix the problems, request a reinspection, pay the $100 reinspection fee, and repeat until the inspector signs off. RentalPermitPath's $79 City Rental License & Inspection Prep Packet includes a pre-inspection checklist keyed to PG County's specific code sections, along with jurisdiction-specific cover letters and document templates. It won't guarantee a pass, but it flags the outlets, railings, and smoke detector placements inspectors typically cite.

What does the PG County rental inspection cover?

The inspector evaluates compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as adopted by Prince George's County ^[2]. That means structural stability, electrical safety, plumbing function, heating adequacy, ventilation, fire egress, and general sanitation. Inspectors work from a 60-point checklist covering every room. Common violations: • Missing or expired smoke detectors (required in every bedroom and hallway outside sleeping areas, plus one per floor) ^[5] • Carbon monoxide alarms missing (mandatory in any home with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage) ^[5] • GFCI outlets absent in bathrooms, kitchens, and exterior locations • Loose or missing handrails on stairs with four or more risers • Windows that don't open or lock properly (every bedroom needs an egress window) • Peeling lead paint in homes built before 1978 • Non-functional heating systems or thermostats • Leaky plumbing, clogged drains, or inadequate water pressure • Cracked foundation walls or sagging floors indicating structural issues • Missing or damaged weather-stripping on exterior doors Inspectors open every door, test outlets with a circuit tester, and run every faucet. They'll check the furnace filter, look for exposed wiring in the basement, and verify that every bedroom window is large enough to meet egress standards (5.7 square feet of clear opening, sill no higher than 44 inches) ^[2]. You're allowed to be present during the inspection, and you should be. Take notes on what the inspector flags so you can address issues immediately. Inspectors won't tell you how to fix a problem, but they'll explain why it failed and point to the code section.

How often does PG County inspect rental properties?

It depends on the property type and your compliance history. Single-family owner-occupied rentals (you live on-site) are inspected every three years ^[1]. Non-owner-occupied single-family homes get inspected every two years. Multifamily buildings (anything with three or more units) face inspections annually ^[1]. If your property fails an inspection and triggers multiple reinspections, DPIE can shorten your cycle. Chronic violators sometimes end up on a six-month inspection rotation until they demonstrate consistent compliance ^[2]. The county mails inspection notices 30 days in advance to the address on file with your license. If you miss the appointment without rescheduling, the county can revoke your license and issue a citation ^[2]. You get one chance to reschedule without penalty; after that, no-shows are treated as refusals to allow inspection, which is a separate violation carrying its own fine. Inspections also happen on complaint. If a tenant reports a code violation to DPIE, an inspector can show up within days, regardless of when your last scheduled inspection occurred. Complaint-triggered inspections don't reset your regular cycle, so you might end up with two inspections in one year.

What happens if my property fails the PG County inspection?

You get a written violation notice listing every deficiency by code section, room, and description ^[2]. The notice includes a deadline to correct (usually 30 days for non-emergency items, 24 hours for safety hazards like no heat in winter or exposed electrical). You make the repairs, then call DPIE to schedule a reinspection. The reinspection fee is $100, payable when you book the appointment ^[3]. The inspector returns and checks only the items that failed the first time. If those are fixed, you pass. If new violations appear or old ones remain, you fail again and pay another $100 for the next reinspection. There's no limit to the number of reinspections, but each one costs $100 and delays your license by another two weeks. Most landlords who fail do so on smoke detectors, GFCI outlets, or handrails, all of which a handyman can fix in a few hours for under $300 total. If you don't request a reinspection within the correction deadline, DPIE can issue a citation to appear in district court ^[2]. The civil fine for operating without a valid license is $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, and up to $2,500 for ongoing violations ^[2]. The county can also place a lien on the property to collect unpaid fines. In extreme cases (no heat, no water, structural collapse risk), the inspector can issue a condemnation notice requiring immediate tenant evacuation until repairs are complete. That's rare, but it happens when landlords ignore emergency violations.

When does my PG County rental license expire?

Every license expires on June 30, no matter when it was issued ^[1]. If you got your license in February, it expires in four months. If you got it in July, you have nearly a full year. The county doesn't prorate fees or extend expiration dates. DPIE mails renewal notices in April and May to the address on your license application ^[4]. Renewal applications are due by June 30. If you miss the deadline, your license lapses and you're operating an unlicensed rental facility, which is a citable offense ^[2]. Renewal requires: • A completed renewal application (form RFL-2) • Payment of the renewal fee ($165 or $250) • Confirmation that your contact information and property details haven't changed If your property is due for a periodic inspection in the renewal year (based on the one-, two-, or three-year cycle), the renewal process automatically triggers the inspection. You can't renew without passing. If you're not due for inspection, the renewal is administrative: you pay the fee, submit the form, and the license renews without an inspector visit. Most landlords set a calendar reminder for May 1 to start the renewal, giving a two-month buffer for any inspection failures or paperwork delays.

Can I operate a rental property in PG County without a license?

No. It's illegal. The county code makes it "unlawful for any person to operate, maintain, or rent any rental facility without a valid rental facility license" ^[2]. Enforcement is active: DPIE monitors new deed transfers, tenant complaints, and even Craigslist postings to identify unlicensed units. Penalties start at $500 for a first offense and climb to $2,500 for repeat violations ^[2]. Each month you operate without a license counts as a separate violation, so a landlord who skips licensing for six months faces $3,000 in fines before ever reaching a courtroom. The county can also seek an injunction prohibiting you from renting the property until you obtain a license. Unlicensed landlords lose legal standing in eviction proceedings. Maryland courts require proof of a valid rental license to file for eviction ^[6]. If your tenant stops paying rent and you try to evict, the tenant's attorney will ask for your license number on day one. If you don't have it, the case gets dismissed and the tenant can remain rent-free while you scramble to apply, pass inspection, and refile. Some landlords think they can fly under the radar with single-family homes or short-term leases. They can't. DPIE cross-references property tax records with rental license databases, and tenants who learn their landlord is unlicensed often file complaints as ammunition in disputes. It's not worth the risk.

Do I need a separate license for each rental unit?

It depends on the building configuration. For single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses, you need one license per structure ^[1]. For multifamily buildings (three or more units in one building), you need one license covering the entire building, but the license fee scales with the number of units ^[1]. If you own three single-family rental houses in PG County, you apply for three separate licenses and pay three separate $250 fees. If you own one building with three apartments inside, you apply for one multifamily license and pay a fee that covers all three units (the county charges per unit within multifamily structures, typically $100-$150 per unit, but confirm current rates with DPIE) ^[3]. Condos and co-ops are treated as single-family units for licensing purposes, even if they're in a larger building. You need a license for your individual condo unit, not a license for the whole building (the HOA handles common-area compliance separately). If you own properties in multiple Maryland counties, each county requires its own license under its own rules. A PG County license doesn't transfer to Montgomery County or Baltimore. You're starting from scratch with each jurisdiction's forms, fees, and inspections.

What is a landlord and what do landlords actually do?

A landlord is a person or entity that owns residential or commercial real estate and leases it to tenants in exchange for rent. Landlording means managing that property, collecting rent, maintaining the premises, and complying with local, state, and federal housing regulations ^[7]. Day-to-day responsibilities include: • Screening tenants (credit checks, employment verification, prior landlord references) • Drafting and signing lease agreements that comply with Maryland law • Collecting monthly rent and enforcing late fees when tenants don't pay on time • Handling repair requests (leaky faucets, broken appliances, pest control) • Maintaining habitability standards (heat, water, structural integrity, no code violations) • Responding to tenant complaints and resolving disputes • Conducting move-in and move-out inspections, documenting property condition • Returning or withholding security deposits in accordance with state law (Maryland gives landlords 45 days to return deposits or provide an itemized list of damages) ^[8] • Filing for eviction in district court when tenants violate lease terms or refuse to pay How to become a landlord in Prince George's County: 1. Buy a property or inherit one you plan to rent. 2. Obtain a rental facility license from DPIE before placing a tenant ($165 or $250). 3. Pass the initial rental inspection. 4. Draft a lease that complies with Maryland statutes (written notice periods, security deposit limits, habitability clauses). 5. Screen tenants using application forms, background checks, and income verification (federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability) . 6. Collect first month's rent plus security deposit (Maryland caps security deposits at two months' rent) ^[8]. 7. Provide tenants with a move-in checklist and retain a signed copy. 8. Maintain liability insurance and consider requiring tenants to carry renters insurance (more on that below). Being a landlord in PG County also means staying current on license renewals, responding to inspection notices, and budgeting for periodic repairs and capital improvements.

What rights do tenants have without a lease in Maryland?

Even without a written lease, tenants in Maryland have statutory rights that the landlord cannot override ^[8]. Oral leases and month-to-month tenancies are legal and enforceable. The absence of a signed lease doesn't make a tenant a squatter or eliminate their protections under Maryland's landlord-tenant law. Key tenant rights without a written lease: • Right to habitable housing: The landlord must maintain the property in compliance with building and health codes, provide heat and hot water, and make timely repairs ^[8]. • Right to privacy: Landlords must give reasonable notice (typically 24 hours in Maryland, though PG County may require more) before entering the unit, except in emergencies ^[8]. • Right to a return of security deposit: If the tenant paid a deposit, the landlord has 45 days after move-out to return it or provide an itemized list of damages, regardless of whether a lease was signed ^[8]. • Right to proper notice before eviction: Even without a written lease, Maryland requires landlords to provide written notice before filing for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, the notice period is 10 days; for lease violations or month-to-month terminations, it's typically 30 days ^[6]. • Protection from retaliatory eviction: Landlords cannot evict tenants in retaliation for filing complaints with code enforcement, requesting repairs, or exercising other legal rights ^[8]. • Protection from discrimination: Federal and state fair housing laws apply to oral leases just as they do to written ones . What tenants lose without a written lease: • Clarity on rent amount, due date, and late fees (if it's not written, disputes go to what the parties can prove in court). • Fixed terms: Without a written lease specifying a one-year or multi-year term, the tenancy defaults to month-to-month, and either party can terminate with 30 days' notice ^[8]. • Proof of agreed-upon rules regarding pets, guests, maintenance responsibilities, or parking. Landlords operating without written leases face similar risks. If a tenant claims you agreed to a lower rent or different terms, you have no document to rebut the claim. Written leases protect both parties and are standard practice for a reason.

Why do landlords require renters insurance?

Landlords require renters insurance because the landlord's property insurance covers the building structure and the landlord's liability, but it doesn't cover the tenant's personal belongings or the tenant's liability for damage they cause . Renters insurance fills that gap and reduces the landlord's exposure to lawsuits. What renters insurance covers: • Tenant's personal property (furniture, electronics, clothing) if damaged by fire, theft, vandalism, or certain water events • Tenant's liability if a guest is injured in the unit and sues the tenant (or the landlord and tenant jointly) • Damage the tenant causes to the landlord's property (e.g., tenant leaves a window open during a storm, water ruins the floor; the renters policy's liability coverage pays for the floor repair) • Temporary living expenses if the unit becomes uninhabitable and the tenant needs a hotel A typical renters insurance policy costs $15 to $30 per month for $30,000 to $50,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage . That's $180 to $360 per year, a fraction of what a tenant would pay out-of-pocket if their belongings were destroyed in a fire. From the landlord's perspective, requiring renters insurance has three benefits: 1. It reduces the chance a tenant will sue the landlord for property loss (if the tenant's belongings are covered by their own policy, they file a claim with their insurer instead of suing you). 2. It ensures the tenant has liability coverage, which protects the landlord if the tenant causes damage (the tenant's insurer pays the claim rather than you pursuing the tenant for cash). 3. It signals responsibility: tenants willing to maintain insurance are statistically more likely to pay rent on time and take care of the unit. Maryland law doesn't require landlords to mandate renters insurance, but nothing prohibits it. You add a clause to your lease stating "Tenant must obtain and maintain renters insurance with at least $X in liability coverage and name Landlord as an additional interested party." Many landlords set the minimum at $100,000 liability. The tenant provides proof of coverage at move-in and annually thereafter.

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

Maryland law doesn't specify a statewide minimum notice period for landlord entry, but common law and local practice establish 24 hours' notice as the standard ^[8]. Some leases specify longer notice periods (48 or 72 hours), which the landlord must honor if agreed to in writing. Landlords can enter without notice only in emergencies: fire, flood, gas leak, or situations where immediate entry is necessary to prevent serious property damage or injury ^[8]. Routine repairs, inspections, and showings to prospective tenants all require advance notice. Notice must include: • The date and approximate time of entry (a window, like "between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m." is acceptable) • The reason for entry ("annual inspection," "repair leaky faucet," "show unit to prospective tenant") Tenants can refuse entry if the landlord doesn't provide proper notice, and landlords who enter without permission risk claims of trespassing or harassment. Maryland courts have ruled that landlords who repeatedly enter without notice or enter at unreasonable hours (late at night, early morning) can be sued for violating the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment ^[8]. During PG County rental inspections, the landlord (or landlord's agent) must be present to let the inspector in ^[4]. You can't rely on the tenant to provide access. If the tenant refuses to allow the inspection, that's a lease violation (assuming your lease includes an inspection-access clause), and you can begin eviction proceedings for lease breach.

What can a landlord look at during an inspection?

A landlord conducting a routine inspection (not the county's licensing inspection, but your own periodic walkthrough) can examine anything that affects the property's condition, safety, and compliance with the lease ^[8]. This includes: • Walls, floors, and ceilings for damage, holes, or stains • Plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers) for leaks, clogs, or improper use • Appliances (stove, refrigerator, dishwasher) for cleanliness and function • HVAC vents, filters, and thermostats • Windows and doors for damage, broken locks, or missing screens • Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms (test them) • Signs of pest infestation (droppings, nests, unexplained odors) • Unauthorized occupants, pets, or alterations (painted walls without permission, installed fixtures) • General cleanliness and housekeeping to assess whether the tenant is maintaining the unit in reasonable condition What a landlord cannot do during an inspection: • Search the tenant's personal belongings (drawers, closets, bags, boxes) ^[8] • Remove or confiscate the tenant's property • Take photos of the tenant's belongings without consent (you can photograph the property itself: walls, floors, fixtures) • Harass, threaten, or intimidate the tenant • Enter without the required notice unless it's an emergency • Conduct inspections so frequently that they constitute harassment (monthly inspections with no cause are excessive; quarterly or semiannual is typical) Document your findings with photos, a written checklist, and date-stamped notes. If you spot a lease violation (unauthorized pet, extra occupant, smoking in a no-smoking unit), send the tenant written notice within a few days citing the specific lease clause and requesting correction within a reasonable time (typically 7 to 30 days). RentalPermitPath's inspection prep packet includes a landlord walkthrough checklist that mirrors what PG County inspectors evaluate, so your periodic inspections catch issues before the official licensing inspection does.

What a landlord cannot do in Ohio (and general prohibited practices across states)

While this article focuses on Prince George's County, Maryland, many readers search "what a landlord cannot do in Ohio" as a proxy for understanding universal landlord prohibitions . Here's what landlords cannot do in Ohio, with notes on how these rules compare to Maryland and most other states. Prohibited practices in Ohio and most states: • Self-help eviction: Landlords cannot remove a tenant's belongings, change locks, shut off utilities, or physically force a tenant out without a court order . This is illegal in all 50 states, including Maryland ^[8]. • Retaliation: Landlords cannot evict, raise rent, or reduce services in retaliation for a tenant filing a complaint with code enforcement, requesting repairs, or joining a tenant union . Maryland prohibits retaliatory evictions within six months of a tenant exercising a legal right ^[8]. • Discrimination: Federal Fair Housing Act and state laws prohibit landlords from refusing to rent, evicting, or treating tenants differently based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability . Maryland adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the protected list ^[8]. • Entering without notice: Landlords must provide reasonable notice (24 hours is standard) before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies . Maryland follows the same common-law rule ^[8]. • Withholding essential services: Landlords cannot turn off heat, water, electricity, or other essential services to pressure a tenant to move out, even if the tenant hasn't paid rent . The remedy is eviction through the courts, not self-help. • Refusing to make legally required repairs: If a rental unit has a condition that violates health or safety codes, the landlord must repair it within a reasonable time . In Maryland, tenants can pay rent into escrow and petition the court for repairs if the landlord refuses ^[8]. • Imposing illegal fees: Landlords cannot charge fees not specified in the lease or permitted by state law. For example, Maryland caps security deposits at two months' rent and limits late fees to 5% of the rent due ^[8]. Ohio-specific rules that differ from Maryland: • Ohio requires landlords to provide written notice of the tenant's rights under state law at the start of the tenancy . Maryland has no such requirement. • Ohio allows landlords to charge any late fee specified in the lease, with no statutory cap . Maryland caps late fees at 5% ^[8]. • Ohio gives landlords 30 days to return security deposits . Maryland gives 45 days ^[8]. If you're a landlord in Prince George's County, focus on Maryland law, but the core prohibitions (no self-help eviction, no retaliation, no discrimination, no shutting off utilities) are universal. Violating them typically results in civil liability, court-ordered damages, and in some cases criminal penalties.

Frequently asked questions

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

Plan for four to six weeks from application to license issuance if your property passes the first inspection. The county schedules inspections within two to four weeks of receiving your application. If you pass, the license issues in 10 business days. If you fail and need reinspections, add two weeks per reinspection cycle. Most landlords who fail once and make repairs get licensed within eight weeks total.

Can I rent out my basement apartment in PG County?

Yes, but only if the basement meets county code as a legal dwelling unit and you obtain a rental license. The basement must have egress windows, proper ceiling height (at least 7 feet in habitable rooms), independent kitchen and bathroom facilities, and adequate ventilation. Finished basements that don't meet these standards cannot legally be rented. Apply for a license before advertising the unit; the inspection will confirm whether it's legal.

What happens if I sell my rental property in PG County?

The rental license does not transfer to the new owner. The buyer must apply for a new license and pass an inspection before collecting rent from tenants. If you're selling a property with tenants in place, disclose the license status to the buyer and coordinate the inspection timeline so the buyer can close and license the property without interruption to the tenancy. Some buyers delay closings until they secure the license.

Do I need a PG County rental license for short-term rentals like Airbnb?

It depends on the length of stay. Prince George's County's rental license ordinance applies to properties rented for 30 days or longer. If you operate a short-term rental (under 30 days), you may need a different permit or fall under the county's hotel/motel regulations. Check with DPIE to confirm current rules, as short-term rental regulations have changed in recent years and vary by zoning district.

Can I transfer my rental license to a new property?

No. Each rental license is specific to the property address listed on the application. If you buy a second rental property or sell the licensed property and buy another, you must apply for a new license, pay the full fee, and pass a new inspection. License fees and inspection outcomes do not carry over between properties.

What if my tenant refuses to let the county inspector in?

Your lease should include a clause requiring the tenant to allow access for inspections with proper notice. If the tenant refuses, you're in breach of the county's licensing requirement through no fault of your own, but the county holds you responsible. Send the tenant written notice citing the lease clause and the inspection date. If they still refuse, you can file for eviction based on lease violation. The county may fine you for missing the inspection, and you'll need to request a new date once the tenant issue is resolved.

Do I need separate licenses for a duplex or triplex?

For a duplex (two units in one structure), you need one license covering both units if it's a single building. The same applies to triplexes and larger multifamily buildings: one license per building, but the fee may scale with the number of units. Confirm the exact fee structure with DPIE when you apply, as multifamily fees differ from single-family rates.

How do I renew my PG County rental license?

Submit a renewal application (form RFL-2) and pay the renewal fee ($165 or $250) by June 30 each year. The county mails renewal notices in April and May. If your property is due for a periodic inspection (based on its one-, two-, or three-year cycle), the renewal triggers the inspection automatically. If not due for inspection, the renewal is administrative and the license renews without an inspector visit.

What if I inherit a rental property in PG County?

You must apply for a rental license in your name as the new owner within 30 days of assuming ownership. The previous owner's license does not transfer. Contact DPIE with proof of ownership (will, probate decree, or deed transfer) and start the application process. If tenants are in place, you're responsible for maintaining a valid license to continue collecting rent legally.

Can I appeal a failed inspection in PG County?

You cannot appeal the inspection result itself if the violations are accurate, but you can dispute factual errors or request clarification on code interpretation. Submit a written request to DPIE within 10 days of receiving the violation notice, explaining the specific items you believe were cited in error. If the county upholds the violations, your only remedy is to make the repairs and pass reinspection. The courts generally defer to inspector findings on code compliance.

How to become a landlord in Prince George's County with no experience?

Start by buying or inheriting a rental-ready property. Obtain a rental license from DPIE before placing tenants ($165 or $250). Pass the initial inspection. Draft a Maryland-compliant lease (many landlords use templates from the Maryland Multi-Housing Association or hire an attorney). Screen tenants with applications, credit checks, and references. Collect first month's rent and a security deposit (capped at two months' rent). Maintain liability insurance and budget for repairs. Consider joining a local landlord association for networking and education; the Prince George's County Rental Housing Association offers workshops on tenant screening, lease enforcement, and code compliance.

What is landlording and is it profitable in PG County?

Landlording is owning and managing residential rental property: screening tenants, collecting rent, handling repairs, and complying with housing regulations. Profitability depends on purchase price, rent levels, vacancy rates, maintenance costs, and financing terms. In PG County, median rents for single-family homes run $1,800 to $2,500 per month, and rental demand is steady due to proximity to Washington, D.C. Licensing and inspection costs add $250 to $350 annually, plus periodic reinspection fees. Many small landlords see 6-10% annual cash-on-cash returns after expenses, but returns vary widely by property condition and location within the county.

What rights do tenants have without a lease in Prince George's County?

Tenants without written leases retain all statutory rights under Maryland law: the right to habitable housing, privacy, return of security deposits within 45 days, proper notice before eviction (10 days for nonpayment, 30 days for lease violations or month-to-month termination), and protection from retaliation and discrimination. The absence of a written lease doesn't eliminate tenant protections; it just makes proving agreed-upon terms harder. Landlords and tenants should always use written leases to avoid disputes.

What a landlord cannot do in Maryland?

Maryland landlords cannot evict tenants without a court order, shut off utilities, change locks, enter without notice (except emergencies), retaliate for code complaints or repair requests, discriminate based on protected characteristics, charge late fees above 5% of rent, or withhold security deposits beyond 45 days without itemized damage lists. Violating these rules can result in tenant lawsuits, court-ordered damages, and in some cases criminal charges for illegal eviction or harassment.

Sources

1. Prince George's County Code, Subtitle 13, Division 13 (Rental Housing Licensing): All residential rental properties in PG County require a rental facility license; licenses expire annually on June 30; owner-occupied properties inspected every three years, non-owner-occupied every two years, multifamily annually
2. Prince George's County Code, Section 13-1304 (Unlawful Operation): It is unlawful to operate a rental facility without a valid license; violations incur fines starting at $500, up to $2,500 for repeat offenses; properties inspected under the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
3. Prince George's County DPIE Fee Schedule (Rental Facility Licensing): Rental license fees: $165/year for owner-occupied properties, $250/year for non-owner-occupied; reinspection fee $100 per visit
4. Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) Rental Housing Licensing: Applications submitted to DPIE One-Stop Shop at 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD; inspections scheduled within two to four weeks; landlord or agent must be present for inspections; license issues within 10 business days after passing
5. U.S. Small Business Administration, Real Estate (Rental Property): Definition of landlord as property owner leasing real estate to tenants; landlording responsibilities include tenant screening, lease execution, maintenance, and regulatory compliance
6. Maryland Attorney General's Office, Landlord-Tenant Handbook: Maryland tenants have statutory rights even without written leases; landlords must return security deposits within 45 days or provide itemized damage list; security deposits capped at two months' rent; late fees capped at 5%; retaliation prohibited within six months of tenant exercising legal rights; 24-hour notice standard for landlord entry
7. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Housing Act: Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in rental housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability; applies to all rental housing including oral leases
8. Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 5321 (Landlords and Tenants): Ohio prohibits self-help eviction, retaliation, discrimination, and entering without notice; landlords must return security deposits within 30 days; written notice of tenant rights required at lease start