Baltimore Compliance Calendar

Rental Dwelling License and Registration

Every non-owner-occupied dwelling (1-2 family, multi-family, vacant buildings and lots) must be registered each year and, if rented, licensed after a passing inspection by a Maryland-licensed home inspector registered with Baltimore DHCD. For buildings of 9 or fewer units every unit is inspected; 10+ units per DHCD rules.

When: Registration renews annually by January 1; initial rental license 2 years, subsequent licenses 3 years, each requiring a passing third-party inspection
Applies to: All non-owner-occupied residential properties in Baltimore City
Authority: Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)

Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) benchmarking

Whole-building energy benchmarking reported to MDE. A $100 annual reporting fee (inflation-adjusted) applies from 2026 under HB 49. Buildings that miss the emissions standards pay an alternative compliance fee.

When: June 1, 2026 (annual, prior-calendar-year data via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager); first reports were due June 1, 2025
Applies to: Commercial and multifamily buildings of 35,000 sq ft or more (excluding parking garage area). Exempt: historic buildings, K-12 schools, manufacturing, agricultural, federal buildings, hospitals; condominium buildings under 35,000 sq ft need not report
Authority: Maryland Department of the Environment, BEPS program (beps.mde@maryland.gov, 410-537-3183)

Lead Rental Registration and Turnover Certificate

Pre-1978 rental dwellings register with MDE and obtain a certificate from an MDE-accredited lead paint inspector at each turnover unless the property is certified lead-free.

When: December 31, 2026 (annual renewal, $30 per unit); new acquisitions registered within 30 days; lead inspection certificate at every change of occupancy
Applies to: Rental dwelling units built before 1978 (statewide; enforced in Baltimore alongside the city rental license)
Authority: Maryland Department of the Environment, Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

Elevator Certificate (annual inspection)

Each elevator unit must have a periodic annual inspection by a State inspector or a third-party qualified elevator inspector (TPQEI), with testing by a licensed elevator mechanic; the Commissioner issues the certificate when the unit complies with the Safety Code. Cliffside elevators at single-family homes: every 2 years.

When: Periodic annual inspection; certificate valid for the period printed on it
Applies to: Every elevator unit operated in a building, structure or place of employment in Maryland
Authority: Maryland Department of Labor, Division of Labor and Industry, Elevator Safety Unit (410-767-2990)

If it slips: An elevator unit may not be operated without a certificate (§12-807); a failed inspection produces a correction checklist and a State follow-up inspection carries a fee under §12-809.

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Certificate of Inspection

No boiler or pressure vessel may be operated unless registered and issued a Certificate of Inspection by the Chief Boiler Inspector.

When: Certificate inspection biennially (every 2 years); power boilers and high-temperature/high-pressure water boilers follow their own schedule; amusement-attraction and portable units annually
Applies to: Boilers and pressure vessels in Maryland other than those exempted by the Act
Authority: Maryland Department of Labor, Board of Boiler Rules / Chief Boiler Inspector

Fire Prevention Inspection and Use & Occupancy Permit

"Every building in the city where the public works, plays or spends time is inspected annually. Private residences are not." Fire Prevention Permits (Use and Occupancy) are issued for required occupancies.

Applies to: Commercial, public-assembly, institutional and multi-family occupancies in Baltimore City
Authority: Baltimore City Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau / Office of the Fire Marshal