Aspiring Bay-area landlords in Baltimore are typically eager to put their properties on the market to start receiving rental revenue ASAP. That makes sense. However, Bay property management in Baltimore is somewhat involved. You just can’t decide that today is when you will turn into a DIY rental property manager…and make it happen! Why? Because the Baltimore County government has a lot to say about it.
Before you wear your landlords’ hat, you’ll need to get your property registered, and take care of some preliminaries.
Registration requirements: Why and When?
The Baltimore County Council enacted Bill 87-07 on December 19, 2007. Under the Bill’s provisions, would be landlords must register and license any dwelling, with between one to six units designated for rental habitation, with the County. That’s the law. So, why was such a law deemed necessary?
Well, because you, as the prospective landlord, by renting your units to the general public, could impact the public’s health. As a result, the County sought fit (rightly!) to create rules and procedures to promote and protect public health and safety. All intending property managers in Baltimore must, therefore, abide by Bill 87-07 and initiate registration of reltal property.
The “When” part of the equation is a bit of chicken-and-egg situation, which sometimes baffles even savvy property managers. Here’s what the County website directs you to do:
- When should I register my property?
- You must register andbe licensed before a tenant moves into the property.
So, that makes sense, right? Well, it does – except that the tenant is required to sign one of those registration forms. So, how do you get around that? Do you wait to have a tenant lined up first, before registering? Or should you sign a rental agreement first, before then applying for registration? Veterans involved with Bay property management in Baltimore know the law, and interpret it as intended. But for novice DIY managers, this can be a bit of a stressful situation that causes sleepless nights!
The “How’s” of Registration
Once again, the “How” is a complex process: You must do your research and assess what the registration fee is. Get a professional, state-licensed home inspector to give your property a clean bill of health. Prepare all the documentation required – including Inspection Report, CO2 Alarm Verification…and several others. Be familiar with the regulations around non-discrimination…and you’re almost there.
Most rental property management professionals deal with zoning and licensing every day, so they’ll immediately know what’s required next. But as a DIY-manager, it’s important for you to do your diligence. You’ll need to ensure your property complies with Baltimore County Zoning Regulations related to your neighborhood. Now you’re all done! You may register online or by mail.
But, of course, all those sleepless nights and stress-filled days may have been for nothing. Why? Because, when all’s said and done – you might not have needed to register your property after all! Sounds confusing? Well – not so much confusing as complex. An experienced Baltimore property manager knows that there are some exemptions to the registration rule. If your property qualifies for an exemption, property managers in Baltimore will immediately know, and will file a Rental Registration Exemption request on your behalf. As a landlord, you’ll sleep easy with no more stress!
