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Baltimore City Rental License Inspection Checklist: What Inspectors Look For
City rental in Baltimore City? The inspection is not a mystery, and it is not a guessing game. The City uses a specific checklist, and inspectors are expected to stick to it.
This guide breaks down what is on the official Baltimore City Rental License Inspection Form, what commonly causes a fail, what can get marked as a referral, and how to get your property ready so you are not scheduling a reinspection later.
If you want help scheduling the inspection itself, see Baltimore City rental inspections.
Quick answer
Baltimore City rental inspections are based on a short, specific checklist. The first set of items are marked pass or fail (items A through L). They cover railings, active utilities, basic electrical safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, plumbing function, windows and doors, weather tightness, gutters and downspouts, and working heat.
Baltimore City Rental License Inspection Form PDF
A second set of items can be marked pass or refer (items M through Q). A referral means the inspector is flagging something for Baltimore City DHCD to review, and referrals can lead to a full reinspection by a Housing Code Enforcement Inspector. Inspector Guidance Document PDF
If you pass and you time your paperwork correctly, you are in a good position to keep your licensing timeline moving.
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Before the checklist, a few Baltimore City rules that matter for timing
These are not “nice to know” details. They directly affect whether your inspection will be accepted.
The inspection must be recent
Baltimore City law says inspections used for a new license or renewal cannot be performed more than 90 days before you submit your application. Baltimore City Code Section 13 5 7
Your inspection paperwork has acceptance windows
The inspection form itself states the City will only accept inspections within 30 days of completion for one and two unit dwellings, and within 90 days for multifamily dwellings. That means you should schedule the inspection with your upload deadline in mind, not just your repair timeline. Baltimore City Rental License Inspection Form PDF
Inspection reports must be distributed to residents
Baltimore City law also requires the inspection report used for licensing to be distributed to each resident at the time the application for a new or renewed license is submitted. Baltimore City Code Section 13 5 7
If you want to avoid last minute scramble, build your schedule around these rules first, then work backwards.
The official checklist, explained in plain English
The official form is short. The details come from the City’s guidance document, which explains how inspectors are supposed to interpret certain items.
Items A through L are pass or fail
These are the items you want to focus on first, because most reinspections come from simple failures here.
A. Railings on interior and exterior steps
If you have interior or exterior steps with more than 3 risers, a railing is required. The City guidance also points out that railings should be securely attached.
Practical prep:
- Grab the railing and give it a firm shake. If it moves, repair it.
- Check exterior steps, including stoops and rear entries.
B. Gas and electric service are active and metered
The checklist includes separate checks for gas and electric being metered and active.
Practical prep:
- Confirm the utilities are on before inspection day.
- If the property has been vacant, do not assume a recently transferred account is fully active.
C. No visible live electrical wiring in living areas
The checklist calls out visible live wires as a fail. The City guidance clarifies they are talking about wiring that should be concealed in walls, not normal devices like extension cords.
Practical prep:
- Fix open junction boxes.
- Address damaged wiring that is exposed in basements, utility rooms, and living areas.
D. Outlet and switch cover plates, and functional lighting
The checklist checks that outlets have cover plates and that lighting fixtures are functional with switches protected by cover plates.
The guidance document also includes notes about receptacles and grounding, including how certain replacements may be handled.
Practical prep:
- Walk the unit and replace any missing plates.
- Replace broken switches, broken light fixtures, or fixtures that do not operate.
E. Smoke detectors installed properly and operational
The checklist requires smoke detectors properly installed and operational.
The guidance document explains that requirements vary by construction or rehabilitation year, and it includes rule references and a summary table. It also notes smoke alarms older than 10 years should be replaced.
Practical prep:
- Test each alarm.
- Replace old alarms. If you do not know the age, assume it is old and replace it.
- Make sure alarms are installed in the right locations for the dwelling type.
F. Carbon monoxide alarms installed properly and operational
The checklist requires carbon monoxide alarms when applicable.
The guidance document explains carbon monoxide alarms are required when there is fossil fuel burning equipment, appliances, fireplaces, wood stoves, or an attached garage. It also specifies placement: outside sleeping areas in the immediate vicinity and on every occupiable level, including basements.
Practical prep:
- If you have a gas furnace, gas water heater, gas stove, fireplace, or attached garage, assume you need carbon monoxide alarms.
- Put them near sleeping areas and on each occupiable level.
G. Hot and cold running water, and plumbing function
The checklist requires hot and cold running water, with hot water at a minimum of 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and no leaks from fixtures. Toilets must flush properly.
The guidance also emphasizes fixtures must be operational and drains should work.
Practical prep:
- Run every faucet.
- Flush every toilet.
- Check under sinks for active drips.
- Fix slow drains and obvious leaks.
H. No observable interior leaks from supply or waste lines
This is different from a dripping faucet. The checklist is looking for interior leaks tied to supply and waste lines.
Practical prep:
- Check visible supply lines, traps, and waste piping, especially in basements.
- Look for active dripping, water staining, or obvious failures.
I. Windows and entry doors operate and lock
Windows designed to open must open and close and have working locks. Entry doors to individual units must close and lock.
The guidance notes inspectors should check function, sound condition, and repair, and includes storm windows and older windows.
Practical prep:
- Open and close every window.
- Replace broken sash locks or repair stuck sashes.
- Make sure unit entry doors latch and lock properly.
J. Exterior walls and interior ceilings are weather tight
This checklist item is about openings that allow rain, snow, and weather elements into the home.
Practical prep:
- Patch obvious holes.
- Address missing soffit, missing flashing, or open penetrations.
- Fix active roof leaks before inspection day.
K. Gutters and downspouts channel water away
Gutters and downspouts must be installed and designed to channel water away from the property.
Practical prep:
- Reattach missing downspouts.
- Add extensions to discharge away from the foundation.
- Clear obvious blockages.
L. Operable heat supply system
Heat must work.
Practical prep:
- Turn the heat on and confirm it actually runs.
If tenants control thermostats, coordinate access ahead of time.
Items M through Q can be pass or refer
These items are where owners often get surprised. You might expect a simple pass or fail, but the form allows “refer” for certain circumstances. The form explains that referrals are subject to a complete reinspection by a Housing Code Enforcement Inspector.
M. Interior is clean and sanitary
This is not about being tidy. It is about basic sanitation.
Baltimore City also has published housing code requirements that include cleanliness and sanitation examples.
Practical prep:
- Remove trash and debris.
- Address obvious unsanitary conditions, including waste.
N. Exterior free of rodent burrows
This is a referral item. The guidance explains that if an inspector sees signs of possible rodent burrows that do not show signs of treatment, it should be marked refer, which triggers follow up. It even lists examples of treatment signs like exterminator flags, signs of bait, or a treatment plan.
Practical prep:
- Walk the perimeter.
- If you see burrows, treat them professionally and keep documentation.
O. Evidence of pests, with a required recommendation
The checklist has a specific statement about observing evidence of infestation and recommending a licensed pest control professional. The guidance also clarifies that this inspection is not a pest control consultation under Maryland law.
Practical prep:
- Do not ignore roaches or rodents because “it is just the basement.”
- Treat early, then clean thoroughly.
P. Basement bedroom egress
If there is a basement bedroom, the checklist asks whether there is proper egress in case of fire. The guidance explains that if a basement bedroom space appears noncompliant, the inspector should mark refer, and it provides egress guidance tied to emergency escape and rescue opening requirements.
Practical prep:
- If a basement is being used as a bedroom, confirm there is compliant emergency escape.
- Do not assume a small window is enough.
Q. Other immediate health and safety threats
This is the catchall. If the inspector sees something that is an immediate threat, it must be described.
Practical prep:
Look for obvious trip hazards, missing guards, severe electrical hazards, or anything that creates immediate risk.
Multifamily properties also have a common area addendum
If you own or manage multifamily properties, there is additional guidance for common areas, rooming houses, and hotels.
The inspector guidance document includes a table for how many units are required to be inspected based on the total unit count, and it also emphasizes distribution across buildings and floors.
It also calls out common area safety items such as:
- Public hallways and stairways free of obstructions
- Fire separation intact between dwellings, hallways, and stairways, no holes in walls or ceilings
- Fire alarm system considered in working order if there is a current inspection sticker completed within the past 12 months
- Exit signs installed and clearly visible
- Mechanical room clearances and no storage
- Electrical room clearances
- Multifamily license posted in a common area
All of that is straight from the City’s guidance, and it is worth reading if you manage larger buildings.
What changed in 2026 that owners should not ignore
Baltimore City’s Strengthening Renters’ Safety Act takes effect January 1, 2026.
A few highlights that matter for owners and managers:
- The Act replaces the tiered system with a flat two year term for all rental licenses.
- Rental licenses can no longer be transferred after a sale. New rental property sales require a new rental license within 60 days of transfer of ownership.
- Priority inspections are used for high violation properties, and they must occur at least twice a year, separated by four months.
- Owners and managers have posting requirements, including rental license number visibility and certain notices.
If you are operating multiple units, it is worth understanding how the City defines priority dwellings and what triggers additional oversight.
A simple pre inspection prep plan that actually works
Here is a practical way to prep without overthinking it.
Step 1: Walk the unit with the checklist in hand
Use the official checklist so you are not repairing things that do not matter for licensing.
Step 2: Knock out the common failures first
- Replace missing outlet and switch plates
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace old units
- Fix active plumbing leaks and confirm hot water meets minimum temperature
- Make sure windows open, close, and lock
- Confirm heat works
- Install or repair railings as needed
Step 3: Clean and address obvious pest issues
If there is a sanitation problem or visible pest evidence, handle it before the inspection. If there are rodent burrows, treat them and document it.
Step 4: Schedule with the paperwork deadlines in mind
Remember, the City will only accept the inspection within the time windows described on the form, and inspections cannot be more than 90 days before you submit the application.
What if you disagree with a failed item
The form includes a process called a property owner inspection review. Only checklist items A through L are eligible for review, and requests must be received by DHCD within 15 business days of the inspection being completed.
If you are dealing with a disputed item, keep your documentation tight and submit the request using the options described on the form.
FAQs
How long is a Baltimore City rental inspection valid?
The inspection form states the City will accept inspections within 30 days for one and two unit dwellings and within 90 days for multifamily dwellings. Baltimore City law also states inspections used for licensing cannot be performed more than 90 days before submission.
What does “refer” mean on the Baltimore City rental checklist?
A referral means the inspector is flagging an issue for DHCD review. The form notes referrals can be subject to a complete reinspection by a Housing Code Enforcement Inspector.
Do I need carbon monoxide alarms in Baltimore City rentals?
If the property has fossil fuel burning equipment, appliances, fireplaces, wood stoves, or an attached garage, the City guidance says carbon monoxide alarms are required, and it describes placement near sleeping areas and on each occupiable level including basements.
Are photos required with the Baltimore City inspection form?
The form notes photographs are not required.
What if I have a basement bedroom?
The checklist has a basement bedroom egress item, and the guidance explains inspectors may mark refer if a basement bedroom space appears noncompliant, triggering follow up.
Where do I call with licensing and registration questions?
DHCD lists Property Licensing and Registration contact information, including the main phone line.
Ready to schedule a Baltimore City rental inspection
If you want a Baltimore City rental inspection that follows the official checklist and keeps your licensing timeline moving, see Baltimore City rental inspections.
If your property was built before 1978, you will also want to plan for lead compliance as part of your rental workflow. See Lead paint inspections and review the Maryland Department of the Environment requirements. MDE Rental Property Owner Requirements