BALTIMORE CITY RENTAL INSPECTION FOR BALTIMORE LANDLORDS
If you are a rental property owner/landlord in Baltimore City, on August 1st, 2018 the law will require rental units to be registered and inspected by a licensed home inspector by January 1, 2019 to obtain a rental housing license.
Property Inspection Pros can conduct Baltimore City rental inspections, a requirement for Property managers to obtain and renew a Baltimore City rental license.
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We value your time, that’s why we make it a rule to arrive promptly on time for your inspection.
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Our inspectors take the time to keep you informed about everything we find during the inspection and how to take care of it.
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Baltimore City Rental Inspection Services
What’s new about the law?
- All Multiple-family dwellings (MFD) must be licensed.
- All one- and two-unit dwellings must also be licensed.
- All rental units (including one- and two-unit dwellings) must pass an inspection to obtain a license.
- All rental units must have a sanitation plan educating tenants on proper waste storage and disposal.
Effective - There is now a tiered license expiration based on property owner’s compliance with
code . All initial licenses are issued for a two-year period. When it is time for renewal, a landlord may be able to obtain a three-year license or be limited to a two- or one-year license based on your maintenance record and violation history.
Baltimore City Inspection Process:
The Baltimore City Rental Inspection process is quite simple and usually won’t be longer than 30 minutes. As a matter of convenience, owners, landlords or property managers are not required to be at there as long as proper access has been coordinated with the tenant or, if vacant, there is a lock box in place.
We will email you a copy of the inspection form in advance so you are aware of exactly what the county requires and what will be inspected. We encourage clients to understand the requirements in advance to avoid lost time and potential additional cost.
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Baltimore City requires the following:
Railing is present for interior and exterior steps with more than 3 risers.- Electrical live wires are not visible in living areas.
- Electrical outlets are protected by cover plates.
- Electrical outlets in areas where water is generally present (e.g. kitchen, bathroom) are
- Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) protected.
- Smoke Detectors are properly installed and operational.
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms are properly installed and operational.
- Plumbing fixtures do not leak.
- Windows, which are designed to do so, should open and close and have a working locking
mechanism. - The property has an operable heat supply system.
- The interior of the property is clean and sanitary.
- The interior of the property appears to be free of signs of infestation by rodents, insects, or pests.
- If there is a bedroom in the basement, there is proper egress in case of fire.
- The exterior is free of rodent burrows.
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BALTIMORE CITY RENTAL INSPECTION FAQs
Dos and Don't of Rental Property Inspection
DO:
- Make an appointment with the tenant. It is essential to give the tenant sufficient notice, preferably 24 hours in advance. This will allow them time to prepare for the inspection and make any necessary repairs.
- Bring a clipboard and pen to take notes. You will also want to take pictures of any defects that you find.
- Inspect the exterior of the property first. This includes the yard, sidewalks, stairs, and porches.
- Once you have inspected the exterior, go through the unit room by room. Make sure to check all closets, cabinets, and under sinks.
- Pay attention to any odors that may be present. These could indicate a larger problem, such as mold or mildew.
- Be on the lookout for any safety hazards, such as trip hazards, loose handrails, or exposed electrical wiring.
- If you have any questions, ask the tenant. They may be able to provide valuable information about the property.
DON’T:
- Don’t enter the property without an appointment. This is considered trespassing, and you could be subject to legal action.
- Don’t forget to bring a clipboard and pen. You will need these to take notes and document any defects.
- Don’t skip the exterior inspection. This is an integral part of the process, and you may miss something if you don’t check it.
- Don’t forget to check all closets, cabinets, and under sinks. These are often places where problems are hidden.
- Don’t ignore any odors that you notice. These could indicate a severe problem, such as mold or mildew.
- Don’t overlook any safety hazards. These are often easy to miss but can be very dangerous.
- Don’t hesitate to ask the tenant questions. They may be able to provide valuable information about the property.
During your rental association, conduct rental property inspections to safeguard yourself and your assets. It may allow you to keep part or all of a tenant’s security deposit for repairs.
Schedule a Baltimore City Rental Inspection Today
Our Inspectors are ready to help you out.