Maryland Rental Property: Laws, Licenses, and What You Really Need to Know

When you own a Maryland rental property, a residential or commercial unit leased to tenants under state-regulated agreements. Also known as rental housing in Maryland, it’s not just about collecting rent—it’s about following strict rules that vary by county, from Baltimore to Montgomery. Unlike states with loose landlord laws, Maryland demands licenses, inspections, and even tenant protections that can catch newcomers off guard.

Getting a Maryland rental license, a legal requirement for landlords operating in most Maryland counties. Also known as landlord registration, it’s not optional. In Prince George’s County, you can’t even show a unit to a tenant without one. Processing times range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on your county’s backlog. Miss the deadline? You risk fines, eviction delays, or even being barred from renting again. And it’s not just paperwork. You’ll need to pass a basic landlord training course in some areas, prove your property meets safety codes, and pay annual fees that can hit $200 or more. This isn’t a formality—it’s a gatekeeper.

Then there’s the money side. Rental property laws Maryland, a mix of state statutes and local ordinances governing leases, deposits, and rent increases. Also known as Maryland landlord-tenant law, they’re among the most tenant-friendly in the U.S. Landlords can’t raise rent mid-lease. Security deposits are capped at two months’ rent. You have 45 days after a tenant moves out to return their deposit—or explain why you’re keeping it. And if you don’t? They can sue you for triple the amount. These aren’t suggestions. They’re enforceable rules with real penalties.

What most landlords miss about Maryland rental income

Many assume rental income in Maryland is straightforward—buy a house, rent it out, collect checks. But the state’s tax structure changes everything. You pay state income tax on rental profits, and some counties add their own property tax surcharges. Plus, if you’re a non-resident landlord living out of state, you’re still required to file Maryland state taxes and may need to withhold taxes from tenant payments. There’s no hiding behind a PO box.

And here’s the thing: Maryland’s rental market isn’t one market. What works in Annapolis won’t fly in Eastern Shore towns. Baltimore City has stricter inspection rules than Frederick County. Rent control doesn’t exist statewide, but some municipalities have rent stabilization policies. You can’t treat the whole state like a single business zone.

That’s why the posts below aren’t just random articles—they’re the real, unfiltered breakdowns of what actually happens when you own rental property in Maryland. You’ll find exact timelines for getting your license, what inspections really look like, how much you can legally charge for rent, and how to avoid the traps that cost landlords thousands. No fluff. No theory. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to do before you sign that first lease.