Guide To Prince George’s County Rental License

Getting Your License Is Your First Step Toward Being A Good Landlord

Being a good (and successful) landlord means following all the rules, especially when it comes to licensing. In Prince George's County, getting a rental license is one of the very first steps in legal residential land lording. Failing to do so not only puts your business at risk of liability, but it can also leave your tenants vulnerable as well. As a responsible landlord, it is crucial to identify who your licensing body is and initiate the process as soon as possible. This not only protects your business, but it also ensures that you are providing a safe and legal home for your tenants. A truly good landlord takes the necessary steps to adhere to all regulations and puts the safety and well-being of their tenants first.

Who Needs A Rental License In Prince George's County?

If you own a property in Prince George's County, Maryland and intend to rent it out, you are legally required to obtain a rental license. This applies to all types of rental properties, whether it be a single-family home, a duplex, or a large apartment complex. Short-term and shared rentals such as Airbnb and other vacation properties must also obtain a rental license. In other words, any individual or entity that wishes to rent out property in Prince George's County legally must secure a rental license.

Who Does Not Need A Rental License In Prince George's County?

While most property owners intending to rent out their property are required to obtain a rental license in Prince George's County, there are certain exceptions to this rule. If you live in your property and rent out rooms to a family member, you are generally exempt from the rental license requirement. Similarly, if you share your home with roommates where everyone contributes to the rent or mortgage, a rental license is unnecessary. Also, non-profit organizations that provide housing as part of their services may be exempt. It's always best to check with the Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement to confirm whether your situation requires a rental license.

Understanding the General Requirements for a Prince George's County Rental License

Before applying for a rental license, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. First and foremost, the property you wish to rent out must be located within Prince George's County. Additionally, the property must meet all the County's safety and health codes. This typically involves an initial inspection by the County’s Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) to ensure your property is habitable and safe. Landlords must also comply with the County's lead paint regulations, which may necessitate a lead inspection and certification depending on the property's age.

What Documents Does DPIE Require?

The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) requires several documents to process your rental license application. You'll need to provide accurate information about the property, including its exact location and complete physical address. You'll also need to include a copy of your deed or other document showing proof of identity and ownership. If the property was built before 1978, a lead inspection certificate is necessary to comply with the County's lead paint regulations. If your property is part of an association, DPIE will want a letter of good standing stating that your account is paid. Please note that this list is incomplete, and the exact documents required will depend on the specific situation of your rental property. Always check with DPIE for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.

Research into any additional city licenses and regulations that might apply to rental properties

Additional City Licenses and Regulations for Rental Properties

In addition to the Prince George's County rental license, landlords may be subject to other local city licenses and regulations. For instance, if the property is located within the boundaries of a municipality with its own rental licensing and inspection program, landlords may need to comply with those additional requirements.

Cities such as Bowie, College Park, and Hyattsville, among others, require landlords to obtain separate municipal rental and County licenses. The process is very similar to that of the counties, including applying, paying a fee, and having the property inspected by city officials to ensure it complies with local building and safety codes.

Moreover, each city may have its housing standards, noise control, waste management, and parking regulations. Landlords must familiarize themselves with these local ordinances to avoid potential fines or legal issues.

Applying for the Rental License Online

Landlords must visit the Prince George's County website to apply for the rental license. The County has streamlined the process and made it possible to submit the application and required documentation online.

1. Navigate to the website's Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) section.
2. Click on the "Rental Licenses" link, which will take you to the Rental Licenses application page.
3. Click on "Apply Online" and follow the on-screen instructions to start your application.
4. Fill out the online application form, providing all the necessary information about the property including the physical location, the type of rental (i.e., single-family home, duplex, apartment complex, short-term rental, etc.), and your contact information.
5. Upload the required documents. This includes a copy of your deed or other proof of ownership, a lead inspection certificate (if the property was built before 1978), and any other documents required by DPIE for your specific type of rental property.
6. Pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee varies based on the type and size of the rental property.
7. After submitting your application and payment, DPIE will review the application. If everything is in order, they may schedule an inspection of the property.

Remember, the online application is just one step in the process. You'll also need to prepare your property for inspection and ensure compliance with all Prince George's County and municipal housing and safety regulations if applicable.

DPIE Rental Inspection Process

The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) performs a comprehensive inspection as part of the rental license application process. This is to ensure that all rental properties meet the health and safety standards of Prince George's County.

1. Once your application has been received, a temporary license will be issued while the application be reviewed.
2. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, an inspection date is scheduled, usually within two weeks from the date of application acceptance.
3. A County Inspector visits the property on the scheduled day. It's crucial that someone — ideally the property owner or manager — is present during the inspection.
4. The inspection covers various aspects of the property, including structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems, fire safety (including working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors), and general conditions of habitability.
5. If occupied, the inspector may want to speak with the current tenant directly to identify any issues.
6. If the property passes the inspection, the rental license is issued. If not, the County Inspector provides a report detailing the deficiencies detected. The owner is then given a specific timeframe to correct these issues.
7. After the corrections have been made, a re-inspection will be scheduled. The property must pass this re-inspection for the rental license to be granted.

Rental License Cost

The cost of the rental license varies depending on the type and size of the rental property. For a single-family dwelling, the fee is typically around $115. Duplexes usually require a fee of about $130, while larger multi-family properties may have higher fees. These fees are non-refundable and are used to cover the cost of the application review and the property inspection. Remember, these amounts are subject to change and landlords should always check the current fee structure on the Prince George's County website or by contacting the DPIE directly.

Rental License Renewal Process

The rental license in Prince George's County is not perpetual and needs to be renewed periodically. The frequency of renewal depends on the type of property and compliance history, typically every one to three years.

1. To renew your rental license, visit the Rental Licenses section of the DPIE website, and click on "Renew a License."
2. Enter your license number and the other required information in the online form.
3. Pay the renewal fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is the same as the initial license fee.
4. After receiving the renewal application and payment, DPIE will review the renewal application and may schedule another inspection of the property.
5. If any issues are identified during the inspection, the property owner will be given a timeframe to correct these issues. A re-inspection will be scheduled, and the property must pass this re-inspection for the renewal to be granted.
6. If the renewal is approved, a new license will be issued. A copy of this license should be posted in a visible location within each rental unit.

Remember to track your license expiration date and begin the renewal process in advance to avoid any penalties or interruptions in your ability to rent out your property. The county typically sends out a reminder, but it's the landlord's responsibility to ensure timely renewal.

Penalties for not having a license

Penalties for Not Having a License

Failure to obtain a rental license in Prince George's County can lead to dire consequences. If an owner fails to apply for a new license as required, a penalty of up to One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for each month, or portion thereof, the single-family or multifamily rental facility was operated and/or occupied without a valid license will be assessed. Continual non-compliance can increase fines, and legal action may be taken in severe cases. Beyond financial penalties, operating without a license can also result in losing legal protections that come with licensed landlord status, which may further complicate tenant disputes.

Also, landlords without the proper licenses are prohibited from bringing eviction proceedings in Prince George's County. In instances where safety and health standards are not met, the owner may also face the closure of the rental property. Therefore, to avoid these penalties, property owners must ensure a valid and up-to-date rental license.

Conclusion

Navigating the process of obtaining and renewing a rental license in Prince George's County can seem daunting, but it becomes manageable with proper understanding and organization. The most important aspect to remember is that the primary objective of these regulations is to ensure safe and habitable conditions for tenants. Non-compliance yields hefty fines and can compromise your standing and reputation as a landlord. Remember to always adhere to the guidelines set by the DPIE, maintain your property up to the required standards, and be proactive in license renewals. This way, you can focus more on providing a quality living space for your tenants, leading to successful and sustainable rental property management.