Annapolis rental license and inspection requirements for landlords
Renting out a property in Annapolis requires more than a lease. Missing a license or inspection can void your ability to collect rent or evict — here's the checklist.
The core requirements
City rental license: most non-owner-occupied rentals in Annapolis must be licensed and pass a periodic inspection. Verify current rules with the City before your first tenant.
Maryland lead-paint registration: rental units built before 1978 must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment ($75 per unit as of 2026, renewed every two years) and meet lead-risk-reduction standards.
Local short-term-rental rules are separate and stricter — if you're renting nightly, that's a different license track entirely.
Why compliance protects your income
In Maryland, failing to hold a required rental license can bar a landlord from using the courts to collect rent or pursue eviction. Compliance isn't paperwork — it's what keeps your lease enforceable.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a rental license to rent out my house in Annapolis?
Most non-owner-occupied rentals in Annapolis require a city rental license and periodic inspection. Short-term rentals fall under separate, stricter rules. Always confirm current requirements with the City of Annapolis before renting.
Does Maryland require lead-paint registration for rentals?
Yes. Rental units built before 1978 must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment — $75 per unit as of January 2026, renewed every two years — and meet lead-risk-reduction standards.
Questions about your Maryland rental?
Maryland Rental Managers answers every owner inquiry personally.
Ask us directly