RENTAL HOUSING APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What To Do Before Applying

• Out-of-state owners must designate a local agent.
• Make sure sleeping areas located in the basement or any other area of a rental unit meet egress requirements. Generally, an operable exterior window meeting certain minimum dimensions for rescue and ventilation is required in every bedroom.
• Smoke detectors must be maintained throughout the life of the dwelling if a house was constructed with a/c wired (electrical 115-volt) smoke detectors. Each level and wing of a single family dwelling is required to have one smoke detector per level. These smoke detectors may be a/c wired or battery powered or a combination of both. In addition to smoke detectors installed on each level of the dwelling, each bedroom must have one smoke detector (either a/c wired or battery type) installed inside the bedroom near the doorway. All smoke detectors must have a test button that can actuate the detector for testing purposes. Tenant/owners are advised to test and clean their smoke detectors monthly. If the smoke detector is battery operated batteries should be changed once a year. After 10 years, a build up of dust and dirt can affect the sensor in your smoke detectors. It is recommended that you replace any smoke detector (a/c wired or battery) after ten years. If you are unsure of the age of a smoke detector the date of manufacture is usually on a label affixed to the back.

How To Apply

A property owner or authorized agent of the property owner may request a Rental License Application by mail by calling 410-313-2455 or at the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits counter located at 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Columbia, Maryland 21045.