Property management in Baltimore City
Every home SW Property Management runs today is in Baltimore City. We handle the city rental license and inspection, Maryland lead registration, leasing and repairs, for 10% of the rent collected.
The Baltimore City rental license
- Every rental that is not owner-occupied, including a one- or two-family rowhome, needs a city rental license on top of yearly property registration. Registration is due January 1 and within 10 days of a transfer.[1][2]
- The license needs a passing inspection report from a Maryland-licensed home inspector registered with the city, or a passing Section 8 inspection no older than one year, filed within 90 days of the inspection. Each unit needs its lead certificate number, and the property can have no open code violations.[1][3]
- Under the Strengthening Renters' Safety Act, effective January 1, 2026, every license runs a flat two years. Licenses no longer transfer: a new owner needs a new license within 60 days of buying. The license number must be posted in common areas and printed on the lease and in ads, or the landlord faces a $250 citation.[4]
- Without a license, a city landlord can't charge or collect rent, and a failure-to-pay-rent complaint has to include the license number.[2]
Lead paint rules for older rentals
- Maryland's lead law covers rentals built before 1978. Each one must be registered with the Maryland Department of the Environment, and registration is renewed by December 31.[5][6]
- At every change of tenant the home has to meet the lead risk-reduction standard and pass a lead-dust test before the next tenant moves in. We schedule the work and the test as part of the turnover.[7]
- The city license application asks for the MDE tracking and lead certificate numbers for each unit, so the lead work has to be done before the license can issue.[1]
Deposits, leases and other rules
- Maryland caps a security deposit at one month's rent and requires it back, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends. Wrongly keeping it exposes the landlord to triple damages.[8]
- Deposits of $50 or more held six months or longer earn interest at the greater of the one-year Treasury rate or 1.5%.[8]
- We consider applicants who pay with a housing voucher or any other lawful source of income on the same terms as everyone else, as Maryland's HOME Act requires, and handle Housing Choice Voucher inspections and paperwork.
What homes rent for
SW Property Management's own rentals are three-bedroom townhouses in Mosher, Saint Josephs and Morrell Park, listed at $1,575 to $1,800 a month as of October 26, 2026.
We price each home from homes that actually leased nearby, not from list prices. The free rent analysis shows the range, the comps behind it, our fees and what you would net.
- 945 N Ashburton St - Mosher, 3-bedroom townhouse, listed at $1,800/month
- 3319 Elbert St - Saint Josephs, 3-bedroom townhouse, listed at $1,575/month
- 1728 Spence St - Morrell Park, 3-bedroom townhouse, listed at $1,795/month
Where we work in Baltimore
We manage rowhomes and townhouses across the city, from Mosher and Rosemont East in West Baltimore to Saint Josephs and Morrell Park in the southwest. Stephen's renovation company works on city rowhomes every week, so make-ready work and license-inspection repairs stay in-house.
- Mosher
- Rosemont East
- Saint Josephs
- Morrell Park
Area guides: Baltimore City, Morrell Park, Pigtown (Washington Village), Belair-Edison, Patterson Park, and the Baltimore City and County guide.
Fees
- Monthly management
- 10% of the rent collected
- Tenant placement
- One month's rent, one time
- Free rent analysis
- A rent range from leased comps, the full fee schedule and your projected net
The full schedule, including renewals and evictions, is on our property management page and comes with every rent analysis.
Repairs and turnovers
Maintenance, make-ready work and bigger repairs go to Monarch Bay Renovations, a licensed Maryland home improvement contractor (MHIC #149066). Repairs are priced up front, and non-urgent work over the limit in your management agreement waits for your OK.
Affiliated business disclosure: Monarch Bay Renovations (MHIC #149066) is a separate company owned by Stephen Wilson, the team lead. You are free to use any contractor you choose.
What owners say
All reviewsMy experience with Stacey is a qualified mix of home purchases, and operating profitable rental properties. She is a problem solver. She helps me develop resolutions for ongoing issues with tenants.
Stacey is knowledgeable, thorough, and very professional. Her follow-through is unmatched. I highly recommend her for all of your home purchasing and asset management needs.
Stacey did an outstanding job in purchasing the house, subsequently managing the property, all correspondence with tenant and necessary support along the way.
Baltimore rental owner questions
Can a Baltimore City landlord collect rent without a rental license?
No. Without a license a city landlord cannot charge or collect rent, and a failure-to-pay-rent complaint has to include the license number.
How long does a Baltimore City rental license last?
Two years, under the Strengthening Renters' Safety Act effective January 1, 2026. It does not transfer when the home is sold; a new owner needs a new license within 60 days.
Who can do the rental license inspection in Baltimore City?
A Maryland-licensed home inspector registered with the city, or a passing Section 8 inspection no older than one year. The report has to be filed within 90 days of the inspection.
What does SW Property Management charge in Baltimore?
10% of the rent collected for monthly management, and one month's rent, one time, to place a tenant. The rent analysis is free.
Read next: Maryland landlord-tenant rules, Maryland property taxes, taxes when you sell a rental , Baltimore City Rental License: Step-by-Step for Owners, Renting to Housing Choice Voucher Tenants in Baltimore, Investing in Baltimore Rental Property: The Real Numbers, How Much Do Property Managers Charge in Maryland?, Maryland Rental License Rules by County (2026 Table), Maryland Lead Paint Rules for Landlords: What to Do, Maryland Security Deposits: Deductions, Interest, Deadlines.
Sources
Each source was opened and checked on October 26, 2026. Rates, fees and rules change; confirm with the agency before you rely on a number.
- 1.Baltimore City DHCD, Property Registration and Rental Licensing, page updated Sept. 16, 2026
- 2.Maryland People's Law Library, Baltimore City rental license law, updated Feb. 25, 2026 (summarizes Baltimore City Code Art. 13 § 5-4)
- 3.Baltimore City DHCD, Property Registration FAQs (PDF), dated April 8, 2026
- 4.Baltimore City DHCD, Strengthening Renters' Safety Act, effective Jan. 1, 2026; page updated July 24, 2026
- 5.Maryland Code, Environment § 6-801 (affected property), current statute text
- 6.Maryland Code, Environment § 6-812 (registration), current statute text
- 7.Maryland Code, Environment § 6-815 (risk reduction at each change in occupancy), current statute text
- 8.Maryland Code, Real Property § 8-203 (security deposits), current statute text
- 9.Maryland SDAT, 2026-2027 Tax Rates and Homestead Credit Caps, FY2027 rates, July 1, 2026 bills
Other areas we manage in
What should your Baltimore home rent for?
Send the address. We'll come back with a rent range from current leased comps, our fees, and what you'd net.