Permitting Toolbox: Rental Units

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• What is considered a rental unit in the City of Annapolis?

  A dwelling not occupied by either the owner or their immediate family is considered a rental unit in the City of Annapolis regardless of length of stay or rental fee paid to the owner. It can be a single family home, townhouse, or condominium.

• Is a license needed to operate a rental unit in the City of Annapolis?

  Yes. The Code requires that “no person shall operate a single rental dwelling unit, multiple dwelling, bed and breakfast home or rooming house without a current operating license...” Read City of Annapolis Code Section 17.44.010

• Are there any exceptions?

  Only immediate family members (i.e. father, mother, and children) may occupy a unit without obtaining a rental license.

• Is there a fee for this rental license and are licenses transferable?

  The current fee is $100.00 per unit per year and licenses are not transferable.

• Can the licensee rent out bedrooms?

  No. The only exception is if the building is approved as a rooming house.

• Are the licensed rental units inspected?

  Yes. Rental units are inspected annually and on a complaint basis.

• What do inspectors look for during an inspection?

  They inspect the entire structure inside and outside to meet the residential housing standards, Chapter 17.40 of the Annapolis City Code. The Code is available for review at DNEP, or online at and at the local library.

• I plan to purchase a house in Annapolis but will live out-of-state. I would like to rent out this dwelling and retain my office as an agent. Are there any special requirements?

  No. Our files will reflect that you are the resident/agent representing the owner and you would provide your name, address and telephone number and follow-up on inspections as well as the correction of violations.

• My house has been on the market for six months and I have been unsuccessful in selling it, . . .

  My house has been on the market for six months and I have been unsuccessful in selling it, partly due to the condition of the house next door. The yard has weeds, overgrowth, abandoned vehicles and the paint on the house is peeling. Can anything be done to alleviate this problem?

  Contact DNEP to file a complaint. The department inspectors will follow-up on the items listed and send a correction notice to the owner of the property. If the items are not corrected within a specified period, the property owner will be cited.

• Who is responsible for making repairs and correcting violations?

  It is the owner or his agent’s responsibility to see that violations are corrected and repairs made by the deadline dates established, regardless of any tenant/landlord arrangements.

• The tenants in my rental apartment are behind on their rent and are damaging the unit. Is there anything the City can do?

  The only thing the City can do is cite the tenants for poor housekeeping. You will need to pursue eviction through the District Court of Maryland. However, it is still the owner’s responsibility to insure that the required inspections are corrected and that the dwelling remains in a habitable condition.

• Who do we contact for tenant/landlord disputes?

  Contact your attorney since this is a civil matter and Landlord/Tenant Relations at (410) 243-6007.

• I occupy the first floor of a house and would like to renovate the second floor to be used as a rental unit with a separate entrance. Is this allowed?

  Yes, if the use is permitted by the Department of Planning and Zoning. The rental unit would need to be licensed and would be subject to the inspection process. Fire rated separation between the units is required.

• I have a two unit apartment that is being rented but is considered non-conforming under the zoning law. Can I convert the basement into an additional third unit?

  No. Non-conforming uses cannot be expanded.

• Other than inspecting rental properties, what other types of inspections do the Housing Inspectors perform?

  The Housing Inspectors also follow up on all complaints concerning abandoned vehicles, deteriorating structures, weeds, overgrowth, trash, debris, hazardous and unsanitary conditions, and a myriad of other issues that could affect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.

• What happens if the rental property is in the process of being sold to a new owner or will no longer be used as a rental by the current owner?

  If the rental property is going through the process of being sold or will no longer be used as a rental by the current owner, then the owner must notify DNEP stating the rental unit will no longer be for rent.