Do You Need a Rental License in Southern Maryland? County and Town Rules

Which Southern Maryland counties and towns require a rental license?

It depends on where the home sits. As of October 2026, Prince George’s County requires a license for single-family rentals, Charles County has only proposed a countywide program, and St. Mary’s and Calvert counties have no county license. Several towns add their own rules. Check the county and the town before you list.

The St. Mary’s and Calvert answers come from the Maryland People’s Law Library, a court-run site. The table was updated September 22, 2026. No county page we opened states “no license,” so confirm with the county office. The glossary has a short rental license entry.

How does the Prince George’s County single-family license work?

Prince George’s County requires a rental license for single-family rentals, meaning any building where the landlord provides one or two dwelling units. The county’s Office of Homeland Security Code Compliance Division administers it. A license lasts two years.

Fees come from the DPIE Fee Schedule, which says it is effective October 16, 2026:

All fees are non-refundable and must be paid before the county reviews the application. Read the current schedule when you apply.

The process works like this:

1. Apply through the county’s Momentum online system.
2. Upload the required papers: the deed or HUD-1 if the owner differs from state records, and an HOA letter dated within three months if there is an HOA.
3. If a management company handles the home, include a letter or contract from the owner authorizing it, with the owner’s driver license or the company’s EIN letter.
4. Receive a temporary license for 30 to 90 days.
5. An inspector visits. If there are no violations and the tenant has no concerns, a license follows after 48 hours. If there are violations, the owner gets 10 days to comply.

No license is needed in four situations: the tenant is the landlord’s close family; the landlord is an active-duty member of the armed forces, diplomatic corps, or foreign service who keeps the home as a permanent residence; the landlord relocated for work or school, keeps the home as a permanent residence, and has not leased it more than two consecutive years; or the home is under a pre- or post-settlement occupancy agreement. Documentation must be accepted by the county. If you are an owner on orders, see our military PCS rental guide.

Some Prince George’s cities license on their own: Berwyn Heights, Bowie, Brentwood, Capitol Heights, Cheverly, College Park, District Heights, Edmonston, Forest Heights, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Landover Hills, Mount Rainier, New Carrollton, Riverdale Park, Seat Pleasant, Laurel, and University Park. The People’s Law Library table lists no town license for Upper Marlboro.

What is the status of Charles County’s proposed rental license?

Charles County’s program is proposed, not in force. The county page says it is “currently under review” by the County Commissioners and “subject to the legislative process, including a public hearing and final adoption.” A hearing was scheduled for October 20, 2026. As of October 29, 2026, the page still calls the program proposed.

Dates on the county page, all subject to final adoption:

The county page lists a $107 annual license fee, including at least two inspections. It says standard rentals are inspected every other year and that each rental property needs its own license. A standard rental is one rented 121 consecutive days or more. Applicants may need to give owner and responsible-party details, rental property details, lead-risk reduction documentation when applicable, and a floor plan. Our lead paint guide covers the state lead registration.

The proposal can change before it passes. Questions go to RentalLicensing@CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301.645.0692, ext. 2639.

Which towns license rentals?

Four Southern Maryland towns in our service area license long-term rentals, even where the county does not.

• La Plata. The town says the owner of every rental property must obtain and maintain a rental license. It does bi-annual inspections.
• Indian Head. The town’s forms page lists a rental license application and rental inspection information.
• Chesapeake Beach. The People’s Law Library lists a long-term license requirement under town code section 162-14.
• North Beach. The town’s long-term rental license is valid for three years and requires a fee listed on the town fee schedule, a property inspection and compliance approval, and proof of ownership or authorization.

Short-term rental rules may be separate. The People’s Law Library notes that these town codes do not have a specific short-term license, but the long-term requirement may still apply. Contact the town.

How can I prepare a home for a rental license inspection?

Fix the basics before an inspector arrives. Each program looks at health, safety, and upkeep. The lists are not identical, but they overlap.

Charles County’s proposal says inspectors may review these items:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• Emergency escape and rescue openings
• Electrical safety and plumbing systems
• Heating and mechanical systems
• Interior and exterior structural conditions
• Handrails and guards
• Sanitation and pest-related conditions
• Moisture, mold, or deterioration
• Fire safety equipment, when required

Prince George’s County requires a single-family rental to meet its Housing Code, which includes the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code. It will not issue a license if it finds life safety violations. That includes unpermitted or illegal construction or conversion. Owners must attest that life safety devices are up to date and working. The county also says basements or parts of basements may not be used as bedrooms or habitable space unless the Code Compliance Division authorizes it. A space with two or more separate dwelling units needs a use and occupancy permit from DPIE.

A home that is already rent ready is closer to passing. Test alarms, check railings, fix leaks, and take dated photos before the visit. If a violation is cited, Prince George’s gives the owner 10 days to come into compliance, and Charles County says owners will generally get a chance to correct problems before the license is issued, unless a life-safety condition needs faster action.

What if I rent without a license I need?

You can lose the court process for unpaid rent, called a failure to pay rent case. If a county or town requires a license and the property does not have one, the landlord cannot use the summary ejectment process. The People’s Law Library lists exceptions: the property is not licensed because of a tenant’s wrongful act, an administrative error by the local government, or a defect in a different unit of a multi-unit building.

That ties license status to collection. Read our eviction guide and late fee and collection guide so you know what the court will ask for. The state also requires MDE lead paint registration for homes built before 1978, and MDE notes that some counties require separate registration. A county license does not replace it.

How do I find out which rules apply to my address?

Start with your town name. A mailing address can differ from the jurisdiction. Prince George’s County says to look up the property on the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Search and check the “Town” column. Then use the table above, and call the county or town office to confirm.

Our Maryland landlord-tenant law hub shows how state and local rules fit together.

Next step

Not sure which license your home needs? Request a free assessment at /contact-us or call (301) 392-2172.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the linked official source or talk to a Maryland attorney.