Montgomery County Maryland rental license requirements 2025

Last updated 2026-07-24

What is a rental license in Montgomery County and who needs one?

A rental license in Montgomery County is a mandatory registration and safety certification for every property rented to someone other than the owner. If you rent out a single-family home, a condo, a duplex, or an apartment building, you need a license before tenants move in ^[1]. Montgomery County divides licenses into two classes. Class A covers properties with one to four dwelling units. Class B covers properties with five or more units ^[1]. The county uses the license system to track rental housing stock, ensure baseline habitability through inspections, and enforce property maintenance codes. You're responsible for obtaining the license even if you use a property manager. The license is tied to the property and the owner, not to individual tenants or leases. A new landlord who buys a rental property must apply for a new license within 30 days of settlement, even if the prior owner held one ^[1]. Exemptions are narrow. Properties rented to immediate family members who pay no rent are exempt, as are certain group homes and assisted living facilities regulated by other state agencies ^[1]. Short-term rentals under 30 consecutive days also follow separate registration rules through the county's Department of Finance. Every conventional lease arrangement requires a license.

How do you apply for a Montgomery County rental license?

You start by completing an online application through the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) Division of Licensing and Registration. The application portal is at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA ^[2]. You'll need the property address, parcel identifier, your contact information, and the number of dwelling units. The initial Class A license application fee is $114 for properties with one to four units. Class B is $378 for properties with five or more units ^[1]. Payment is by credit card or electronic check at the time you submit the application. There's no paper application option anymore; everything runs through the online portal. Once you submit and pay, DHCA schedules an initial inspection, typically within four to six weeks depending on backlog. You cannot legally rent the property until the inspection passes and the license is issued. If you already have tenants living there when you apply, you're technically operating without a license and subject to penalties until the county issues the certificate ^[1]. You'll also need a valid business license from the county Department of Finance if you're operating as a business entity rather than as an individual ^[2]. Many landlords overlook this second license, but both are required and cross-checked during enforcement sweeps. Renewals happen every three years. The renewal fee is the same as the initial fee: $114 for Class A, $378 for Class B ^[1]. The county sends a renewal notice roughly 60 days before expiration to the contact address on file. Renewals also trigger an inspection, and you cannot renew until that inspection passes.

What does the Montgomery County rental inspection cover?

The county inspector checks for violations of the International Property Maintenance Code, Maryland habitability standards, and local county code provisions ^[3]. The inspection is thorough. Expect the inspector to evaluate every room that's part of the rental unit. Key items on the checklist include functioning smoke detectors (in every bedroom and on every level), carbon monoxide alarms where required, proper electrical outlets and covers, working heating systems capable of maintaining 68°F, adequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, secure railings on stairs, and no evidence of water intrusion, mold, or pest infestation ^[3]. Inspectors also check exterior items like grading, drainage, roof condition, and secure locks on entry doors. Window egress is a common failure point. Every bedroom must have at least one window or door that opens directly to the outside for emergency escape, meeting minimum size requirements (5.7 square feet of opening, no dimension smaller than 20 inches, sill height no more than 44 inches above the floor) ^[4]. Basement bedrooms without compliant egress windows fail automatically. Kitchens must have a working sink with hot and cold water, a stove or range, and refrigeration. Bathrooms must have a functioning toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower with hot and cold water. Water heaters must be properly vented and equipped with temperature/pressure relief valves ^[3]. The inspector documents violations in a written report. Minor violations (chipped paint, missing outlet cover) give you 30 days to correct. Major violations (no heat, electrical hazards, structural defects) can result in immediate license denial or revocation and require correction before reinspection ^[3]. You pay a reinspection fee of $75 if the initial inspection fails ^[1]. Most landlords prepare by walking the property themselves first. RentalPermitPath offers an $79 County Rental License & Inspection Prep Packet with Montgomery County's actual inspection checklist, repair prioritization guidance, and the application steps in order. It's not required, but it cuts down reinspection trips.

What happens if you don't get a rental license in Montgomery County?

Operating without a license is a civil violation. The maximum fine is $500 per violation per day, meaning each unlicensed property accrues separate daily penalties ^[1]. The county doesn't always catch every violation immediately, but once they do, fines accrue retroactively to the date of first occupancy or the date the prior license expired. Enforcement happens through inspectors' field checks, tenant complaints filed with DHCA, and cross-referencing property tax records against the licensing database. When a tenant files a complaint about habitability, the county pulls the license record. If none exists, you face both the underlying code violation and the unlicensed operation penalty. The most immediate consequence is that you cannot file an eviction. Maryland District Court will dismiss a failure-to-pay-rent or breach-of-lease case if the landlord cannot produce a current, valid rental license for that property ^[5]. Tenants' attorneys routinely request license verification as an affirmative defense. If you're unlicensed, you're stuck with a non-paying tenant until you obtain the license, pass inspection, and refile. The county can also issue a cease-and-desist order barring you from renting the property until you obtain a license and correct all violations ^[1]. This doesn't void existing leases, but it prohibits new rentals and can lead to court orders if you ignore it. Penalties escalate with repeat offenses. A landlord with multiple unlicensed properties or a pattern of operating after revocation can face criminal misdemeanor charges, though the county typically reserves that for egregious cases involving health hazards or fraud ^[1].

How much does the Montgomery County rental license cost over time?

The three-year license cycle costs $114 every three years for a Class A property, which works out to $38 per year ^[1]. For a single-family rental, that's negligible compared to property tax and insurance. Class B properties pay $378 every three years, or $126 per year ^[1]. If you own a 12-unit building, that's $10.50 per unit per year. Larger multifamily operators pay more in absolute dollars but less per door. Reinspection fees add up if you fail the first inspection. Each additional inspection after the first failure is $75 ^[1]. If you fail three times, you've spent $150 in reinspection fees on top of the original license fee. Avoid that by doing a thorough pre-inspection walk-through. Late renewal penalties apply if you miss the three-year renewal deadline. The county charges a late fee equal to 50% of the renewal fee if you renew within 60 days after expiration, so $57 for Class A or $189 for Class B ^[1]. Beyond 60 days, you must apply as a new license (same fee, but you restart the inspection process and risk unlicensed-operation penalties for the gap period). There are no ongoing annual registration fees or per-unit fees beyond the triennial license. Some landlords confuse this with the separate annual rental housing business license from the Department of Finance, which is a flat fee (currently $100 as of 2024) regardless of how many properties you own ^[2].

What is landlording and how do you become a landlord in Montgomery County?

Landlording is the business of owning rental property and leasing it to tenants in exchange for rent. A landlord is the property owner or the owner's authorized agent who holds legal title and the right to possess the property, then conveys a limited right of occupancy to a tenant under a lease agreement ^[6]. Becoming a landlord in Montgomery County starts with acquiring property, either by purchase or inheritance. You don't need a real estate license or special professional certification to rent property you own. What you do need is compliance with local rental housing laws. Before you advertise or show the property, apply for the rental license. The 30-day application window technically starts from first occupancy, but applying before you sign a lease keeps you clear of penalties ^[1]. You also need a business license from the county if you're renting as a business ^[2]. How to be a landlord successfully means understanding Maryland landlord-tenant law. Landlords in Maryland must provide a habitable dwelling (weather-tight, safe electrical and plumbing, heat, no lead paint hazards if built before 1978), comply with lease terms, give proper notice before entry or lease termination, and handle security deposits according to statute ^{[6] [7]}. Montgomery County adds requirements on top of state law, including the mandatory license and limits on rent increases (currently 6.6% per year for certain rent-stabilized properties, though most single-family homes are exempt) ^[8]. You'll also need landlord insurance. Standard homeowners policies don't cover rental activity. A landlord policy (also called dwelling fire or DP-3) covers the structure, liability for tenant injuries, and loss of rental income. Expect to pay 15% to 25% more than a homeowners policy for comparable coverage ^[9]. Many landlords ask why do landlords require renters insurance. The answer is risk transfer. Your landlord policy covers the building, but not the tenant's belongings or liability for damage the tenant causes (a kitchen fire started by the tenant, water damage from a tenant's overflowing bathtub). Renters insurance covers the tenant's property and their liability to you and other tenants. Requiring it in the lease protects both parties and reduces disputes over who pays for what after an incident ^[9].

What rights do tenants have without a lease in Maryland?

Tenants without a written lease still have substantial rights under Maryland law. A lease can be oral or implied by conduct (the landlord accepts rent, the tenant occupies). The arrangement defaults to a month-to-month tenancy if no term is specified ^[6]. What rights do tenants have without a lease? All the same habitability protections as tenants with written leases. The landlord must maintain the property to code standards, provide heat and utilities as agreed, and refrain from shutting off services or locking the tenant out ^[7]. The tenant has a right to quiet enjoyment of the premises, meaning the landlord can't harass, enter without notice, or interfere with the tenant's use. How much notice does a landlord have to give to terminate a month-to-month tenancy in Maryland? The landlord must give one full rental period's notice, which for a monthly tenant means written notice at least one month before the termination date ^[6]. If rent is due on the first of the month, the landlord must deliver notice by the last day of the prior month to terminate effective the end of the following month. The same notice period applies to tenants who wish to leave. Landlords in Montgomery County must comply with additional procedural rules. Notice to vacate must be in writing and include the date by which the tenant must vacate. If the tenant doesn't leave, the landlord must file a formal eviction action in District Court and obtain a judgment before requesting a sheriff's eviction ^[5]. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing tenant property, shutting off utilities) are illegal and expose the landlord to civil damages and criminal penalties ^[7]. Tenants without written leases are still entitled to the return of their security deposit (minus lawful deductions) within 45 days of move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions and receipts for repairs over $125 ^[6]. Failure to return the deposit or provide the itemization within 45 days forfeits the landlord's right to withhold any amount, and the tenant can sue for up to three times the deposit amount plus attorney's fees ^[6].

What can a landlord inspect and what are the limits in Maryland?

Maryland law allows landlords to enter rental property for inspections, repairs, and showings, but only with reasonable notice and during reasonable hours ^[7]. "Reasonable notice" is generally interpreted as at least 24 hours, though the statute doesn't specify an exact number. Entry must occur during normal business hours unless there's an emergency (fire, flood, gas leak) or the tenant consents to another time. What can a landlord look at during an inspection? Anything necessary to assess the property's condition and compliance with the lease. This includes checking for maintenance needs, verifying the tenant is not damaging the property, ensuring no unauthorized occupants or pets, and confirming the tenant hasn't altered the structure or systems without permission. Landlords can photograph conditions for documentation ^[7]. Inspections typically happen at lease signing (move-in inspection), during the tenancy (annual or periodic inspections), and at move-out. Move-in and move-out inspections should be joint walk-throughs with the tenant present, documented with a checklist and photos. This evidence is critical for security deposit disputes. Landlords cannot conduct inspections as harassment or retaliation. If a tenant complains to the county about a code violation, the landlord cannot respond by scheduling daily "inspections" or entering without notice. Maryland law prohibits retaliatory actions, including eviction, rent increases, or harassment, within six months of a tenant exercising a legal right like reporting a code violation ^[7]. In Ohio, which came up in your question list, landlords face additional limits. What a landlord cannot do in Ohio includes entering without reasonable notice (Ohio courts define "reasonable" as 24 hours), evicting without a court order, shutting off utilities, or removing tenant property from the premises as a form of self-help eviction ^[10]. Maryland's prohibitions are similar: no self-help, no retaliation, no entry without notice except for emergencies ^[7]. If a tenant refuses entry for a legitimate inspection after proper notice, the landlord can proceed with a lease violation notice and potentially eviction, but only through formal court process ^[5].

How does California's rental inspection process compare to Maryland?

The question "who is responsible for rental property walk through inspection California" comes up frequently because California has stricter procedural rules than Maryland. In California, landlords are required by statute to offer a pre-move-out inspection within two weeks of the tenant giving notice to vacate. The tenant has a right to be present, and the landlord must provide a written itemized statement of deficiencies that could result in security deposit deductions. The tenant then has an opportunity to cure those deficiencies before the final move-out. This pre-move-out inspection is in addition to the final move-out inspection. Who is responsible for the walk-through? The landlord must initiate and conduct the inspection, but the tenant's presence is optional. If the tenant chooses not to attend, the landlord can proceed alone but must still provide the written itemized statement. Maryland has no parallel statutory requirement for a pre-move-out inspection ^[6]. Landlords can and should conduct move-in and move-out inspections with the tenant present, but there's no mandated two-stage process. The landlord simply must return the security deposit with an itemized statement within 45 days of move-out ^[6]. Both states prohibit landlords from withholding deposits for normal wear and tear. California defines this explicitly in statute and case law (faded paint, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, minor scuffs). Maryland case law follows a similar standard, though the statute itself is less detailed ^[6]. The takeaway for Maryland landlords is that even though the law doesn't require a formal pre-move-out inspection, offering one reduces disputes. Tenants appreciate the chance to fix small issues before they turn into deposit deductions.

How do Montgomery County rental licenses fit into Maryland state law?

Maryland is a home-rule state, meaning counties and municipalities can enact local rental property regulations more stringent than state law . Montgomery County's rental licensing program is authorized under Maryland Code, Local Government Article § 10-301 and Montgomery County Code Chapter 29 ^[1]. State law sets the floor for landlord obligations: providing habitable housing, handling security deposits correctly, following proper eviction procedures, registering with the state if the property contains residential lead-based paint (built before 1978), and complying with fair housing laws ^{[6] [7]} . The county cannot override these state requirements, but it can add its own. Montgomery County adds the licensing and inspection mandate, rent stabilization for certain multifamily properties, source-of-income discrimination protections (landlords cannot refuse tenants with housing vouchers), and additional notice requirements for rent increases and lease terminations ^[8]. Landlords must comply with both state and county law; when they conflict, the stricter rule applies. Neighboring jurisdictions have their own rules. Prince George's County runs a similar rental license program with different fee structures. Baltimore City has a rental registration system but no initial inspection requirement for owner-occupied properties renting fewer than three units. Anne Arundel County requires registration but no license or inspection unless there's a complaint . Always confirm requirements with your specific jurisdiction. If you operate rentals in multiple Maryland counties, you'll need separate licenses for each. A Montgomery County license doesn't satisfy Prince George's County requirements or vice versa.

What are the most common Montgomery County rental license mistakes?

The biggest mistake is waiting until after tenants move in to apply. You need the license before the first occupancy ^[1]. New landlords often assume they have a grace period or that the licensing process is faster than it actually is. Inspections can take six to eight weeks during busy periods, and if you fail, you're waiting another two to three weeks for a reinspection slot. Second is missing the three-year renewal deadline. The county sends a notice, but if you've moved or changed contact information without updating your file, you won't receive it. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before expiration to start the renewal process. Third is failing to correct violations before the reinspection. Inspectors don't have discretion to pass a property with open violations. If the report says the basement bedroom window doesn't meet egress requirements, you must fix it or stop using that room as a bedroom. Asking the inspector to overlook it because the tenant hasn't complained doesn't work. Fourth is neglecting the separate business license requirement. Many landlords obtain the rental license but forget the Department of Finance business license. Both are checked during enforcement, and missing one opens you to separate penalties ^[2]. Fifth is assuming a property manager handles it. If you hire a property manager, clarify in writing who applies for and maintains the license. The legal obligation rests with the owner, so even if the manager agrees to handle it, you're on the hook if it doesn't get done ^[1]. Sixth is confusing the rental license with rental housing inspection programs in other states. Montgomery County's program is neither the most lenient nor the most demanding. It's more rigorous than rural counties with no inspections at all, but less so than cities like San Francisco or Seattle with annual inspections and rent control. Don't import rules from other places you've rented property.

Where do you get help with Montgomery County rental license applications?

Start with the county's Division of Licensing and Registration within the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The main office is at 1401 Rockville Pike, 4th Floor, Rockville, MD 20852. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ^[2]. The phone number is 240-777-0311. Staff can answer procedural questions about the application, fee payments, and inspection scheduling. The county's website (www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA) hosts the application portal, downloadable copies of the inspection checklist, the county code chapters, and FAQs ^[2]. Most answers to routine questions are there, and the site is better organized than some jurisdictions'. For legal advice about evictions, lease drafting, or tenant disputes, consult a Maryland-licensed attorney. The Maryland State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service (800-492-1964) can connect you with landlord-tenant attorneys. We're not a law firm and don't provide legal advice. For inspection preparation, contractors who specialize in rental turnovers are familiar with Montgomery County code requirements. HVAC techs, electricians, and plumbers see the same common violations repeatedly (missing GFCI outlets, improperly vented dryers, furnaces without CO detectors nearby) and can fix them before the inspector arrives. If you're systematizing your rental business across multiple properties, RentalPermitPath's $79 County Rental License & Inspection Prep Packet compiles Montgomery County's requirements, the full inspection checklist, a preparation timeline, and the forms you'll need into one reference. It's a time-saver, not a substitute for the official application, and it includes links to the county's own resources. Local landlord associations like the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (www.mmhaonline.org) offer member forums, training, and updates on regulatory changes. The Montgomery County Renters Alliance offers a tenant perspective on common disputes, which can help you understand what triggers complaints .

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a Montgomery County rental license?

Plan for six to eight weeks from application to license issuance if everything goes smoothly. The timeline includes application processing (one to two weeks), inspection scheduling (three to five weeks depending on volume), the inspection itself, and final license issuance (one week). If you fail the initial inspection, add another two to three weeks for the reinspection appointment after you make repairs. Apply as soon as you know you'll be renting the property.

Do I need a rental license for a basement apartment in Montgomery County?

Yes. Every rental dwelling unit requires a separate license, including basement apartments, accessory dwelling units, and in-law suites. If the basement is a separate unit with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom, it's a dwelling unit and needs a license. If you're renting the main house and a basement apartment, you need two licenses if they're separate units, or one Class A license if the property is registered as a single-family with an accessory unit. Confirm the zoning and unit classification with DHCA before advertising ^[1][2].

Can I rent my Montgomery County property while waiting for the license?

No. Operating without a valid license is a civil violation subject to fines up to $500 per day. You cannot legally rent the property until the county issues the license, which happens only after you pass the initial inspection. If you sign a lease and collect rent before the license is issued, you're operating unlawfully and cannot file an eviction if the tenant stops paying. Wait for the license before the tenant moves in ^[1][5].

What happens if my Montgomery County rental license expires?

Operating with an expired license is the same as operating with no license: you're subject to fines and cannot file evictions. If you renew within 60 days after expiration, you pay a 50% late fee ($57 for Class A, $189 for Class B) on top of the renewal fee. Beyond 60 days, you must apply as a new license, restart the inspection process, and risk unlicensed-operation penalties for the gap period. The county will eventually catch expired licenses through complaint investigations or routine audits ^[1][5].

Does Montgomery County inspect rental properties every year?

No. Inspections occur at initial licensing and at each three-year renewal. The county does not conduct routine annual inspections unless there's a complaint. If a tenant files a code violation complaint with DHCA, an inspector will investigate and may issue a violation notice. Landlords can also request voluntary inspections between renewal cycles, but most don't. Three-year cycles are the standard schedule ^[1][3].

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Maryland?

Maryland law doesn't specify an exact notice period, but courts and practice have settled on 24 hours as the reasonable standard. Notice must be in writing (email or text is acceptable if that's your established communication method) and entry must occur during normal business hours unless it's an emergency or the tenant consents otherwise. Repeated entries without proper notice can constitute harassment and support a tenant's retaliation claim ^[7].

Can a Montgomery County landlord raise rent on a month-to-month tenant?

Yes, with proper notice. For a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give one full rental period's notice of a rent increase, typically meaning written notice at least 30 days before the new rent takes effect. Montgomery County also has rent stabilization rules that cap annual increases at 6.6% (as of 2024) for certain multifamily buildings with 5+ units built before 1978, but most single-family homes, condos, and newer buildings are exempt. Confirm exemption status with DHCA if your property might fall under rent stabilization ^[6][8].

What is the difference between a landlord and a property manager in Maryland?

A landlord is the property owner (or legal entity that holds title) and bears ultimate legal responsibility for complying with all landlord-tenant laws, licensing requirements, and lease obligations. A property manager is an agent hired by the landlord to handle day-to-day operations: advertising, tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement. Property managers in Maryland must hold a real estate broker's license if they manage properties for others for a fee. The landlord remains liable even when a property manager is involved ^[6].

Do Montgomery County rental licenses transfer to a new owner?

No. Licenses are property-specific but owner-specific. When a rental property is sold, the new owner must apply for a new license within 30 days of settlement. The prior owner's license does not transfer, even if it hasn't expired. The new owner pays the full initial license fee and the property undergoes a new inspection. Plan for this in your closing timeline if you're buying rental property ^[1].

Can a tenant withhold rent if a landlord doesn't have a license in Maryland?

Withholding rent is risky. Maryland law allows rent withholding (rent escrow) only for serious habitability defects that the landlord refuses to repair after notice, and the tenant must file a formal escrow action in District Court to do it legally. Simply withholding rent because the landlord lacks a license can result in eviction for nonpayment. However, the lack of a license means the landlord cannot successfully prosecute the eviction, so the case will be dismissed, but the tenant's back rent still accrues. The safer route for tenants is to file a complaint with DHCA ^[5][7].

What is landlording and is it considered a business in Maryland?

Landlording is the activity of owning and renting real property to tenants for income. Maryland treats rental activity as a business for tax and licensing purposes if it's conducted with regularity and for profit. If you rent one property as a side activity, you're still subject to landlord-tenant law and local licensing, but the state may not require a formal business entity. If you rent multiple properties or operate under a business name, you typically need a trade name registration and a local business license. Montgomery County requires a business license from the Department of Finance for rental operations ^[2][6].

How do I verify if a Montgomery County rental property is licensed?

Contact the DHCA Division of Licensing and Registration at 240-777-0311 or check in person at 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville. The county does not publish a public online database of licensed properties, so verification requires a phone call or visit. Tenants can request a copy of the license from the landlord (landlords are required to provide it upon request), and tenants can also file a complaint with DHCA if they suspect the property is unlicensed ^[2].

What qualifies as an emergency entry in Maryland rental law?

An emergency is a situation posing immediate risk of serious property damage, injury, or threat to health and safety. Examples include fire, gas leak, burst pipe flooding the unit, smell of smoke, or a tenant's medical emergency if the landlord is summoned to provide access for first responders. In these cases, the landlord can enter without advance notice and at any hour. The landlord should document the emergency and notify the tenant as soon as practicable afterward. Routine maintenance and inconvenient situations (a clogged drain, a broken appliance) are not emergencies and require 24-hour notice ^[7].

Are short-term rentals covered by Montgomery County rental licenses?

No. Rentals of less than 30 consecutive days fall under separate short-term residential rental regulations administered by the Montgomery County Department of Finance, not DHCA. Short-term rental hosts must register annually, pay a registration fee, collect and remit hotel/motel taxes, and comply with zoning restrictions. If you rent the same property sometimes as a short-term rental and sometimes as a long-term rental, you need both the short-term rental registration and the DHCA rental license. The two programs do not overlap or substitute for each other ^[2].

Sources

1. Montgomery County Code, Chapter 29 - Landlord-Tenant Relations: Class A rental license ($114) for 1-4 units, Class B ($378) for 5+ units; license required within 30 days of first occupancy; fines up to $500/day; reinspection fee $75; renewal every three years; late renewal penalty 50% of fee if within 60 days
2. International Code Council - International Property Maintenance Code: Rental inspections check for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, electrical safety, heating, ventilation, structural integrity, water intrusion, and pest infestation; violations documented with 30-day or immediate correction deadlines
3. International Residential Code Section R310 - Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings: Bedroom egress windows must provide 5.7 sq ft minimum opening, no dimension smaller than 20 inches, sill height max 44 inches above floor
4. Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 8-203 - Security Deposit Return and Landlord Obligations: Security deposit return within 45 days with itemized statement; lease can be oral or written; month-to-month tenancy defaults if no term specified; one rental period notice for termination
5. Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 8-208 - Landlord Obligations and Tenant Rights: Landlord must provide habitable premises, maintain to code, give reasonable notice before entry; no self-help evictions; no retaliation for tenant complaints within six months
6. Montgomery County Code Chapter 29 - Rent Stabilization Provisions: Annual rent increase cap of 6.6% for certain multifamily properties built before 1978 with 5+ units; single-family homes and condos generally exempt; source-of-income discrimination prohibited
7. Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 - Landlord Obligations: Ohio landlords must give reasonable notice (24 hours) before entry; no self-help evictions; no shutting off utilities or removing tenant property without court order
8. California Civil Code § 1950.5 - Security Deposits and Move-Out Inspections: California requires landlords to offer pre-move-out inspection within two weeks of tenant notice; tenant has right to attend; landlord provides written itemized deficiencies; tenant can cure before final move-out
9. Maryland Code, Local Government Article § 10-301 - Home Rule Powers: Maryland counties have home rule authority to enact local rental housing regulations more stringent than state law
10. Prince George's County Code - Rental Licensing: Prince George's County operates separate rental license program with different fees; Anne Arundel County requires registration but not inspection unless complaint; Baltimore City has varied requirements by property type