The Baltimore City rental license rule
Why your landlord’s rental license can matter in rent court.
What the law says
Most Baltimore City rental properties must have an active rental license from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Since 2019, a landlord without an active license cannot bring a failure-to-pay-rent case. Changes in October 2023 extended the rule to other eviction cases.
What counts as proof
Courts rely on an official certification from DHCD’s Property Registration and Licensing Division. Tenantly’s result tells you whether it’s worth requesting one.
What to do
Request the certification, bring it to your hearing, and ask the volunteer attorney at court to help you raise the defense.
Learn more
Last reviewed September 2026
Laws and procedures change. Confirm how the rule applies to your case with a lawyer.