--- title: "Southern Maryland Rental License Rules by County (2026)" description: "Rental license rules for Prince George's, Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert counties and their towns, including fees and the Charles County proposal." url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/southern-maryland-rental-license publisher: Real Property Management Gold phone: +1-301-392-2172 assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment --- # Do You Need a Rental License in Southern Maryland? County and Town Rules As of October 2026, Prince George's County requires a 2-year license for single-family rentals. Charles County has only proposed a countywide program, set to start July 1, 2027 if adopted. St. Mary's and Calvert counties have no county license. Some towns, including La Plata, Indian Head, Chesapeake Beach, and North Beach, do license rentals. Landlord CenterUpdated October 29, 20267 min read - **Prince George's.** A 2-year license is required for single-family rentals outside the cities that license on their own. The DPIE fee schedule lists $152 plus a $66 administrative fee and a 10 percent technology fee. - **Charles proposal.** The county page calls its program proposed, with a start date of July 1, 2027 and a $107 annual license fee. Dates are subject to final adoption. - **No county license.** The Maryland People's Law Library lists no county rental license in St. Mary's or Calvert County. Check your town. - **Missing license risk.** If a license is required and the property does not have one, the landlord cannot use the failure to pay rent process in court. ## 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. Place License today? Key facts Official source Prince George’s County (outside listed cities) Yes 2-year license for single-family rentals (one or two dwelling units). Temporary license first, then inspection. [County licensing page](https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/homeland-security/code-compliance/single-family-rental-licensing) Charles County Not countywide Proposed program. Start July 1, 2027, $107 per year, subject to adoption. [County program page](https://www.charlescountymd.gov/government/planning-and-growth-management/rental-licensing-program) La Plata (Charles) Yes Town rental license, with bi-annual inspections. [Town page](https://townoflaplata.org/180/Rental-License) Indian Head (Charles) Yes Town rental license and inspection information. [Town forms page](https://www.townofindianhead.org/index.asp?SEC=B87D62A3-92A6-4750-A776-A5A6E1C7924D&DE=CB03FD69-DCC7-4799-A996-249F225E82F4&Type=B_BASIC) St. Mary’s County No county license Leonardtown also lists none. [People’s Law Library table](https://www.peoples-law.org/rental-license-maryland-county-city-municipality-town-search) Calvert County No county license Town rules apply in Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. [People’s Law Library table](https://www.peoples-law.org/rental-license-maryland-county-city-municipality-town-search) Chesapeake Beach (Calvert) Yes Town code section 162-14 (per People’s Law Library). [People’s Law Library table](https://www.peoples-law.org/rental-license-maryland-county-city-municipality-town-search) North Beach (Calvert) Yes Long-term rental license, valid three years. [Town page](https://www.northbeachmd.gov/244/Licensing) 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](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/rental-license). ## 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: Fee Amount Single-family rental license $152 Administrative fee $66 Technology fee 10 percent, added Re-inspection after a failed first inspection $132 each Second application review after a second incomplete review $132 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](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/military-pcs-rental-management). 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: Date Event October 20, 2026 Public hearing July 1, 2027 Program begins July to December 2027 Initial registration period December 31, 2027 Rental registration deadline 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](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/dme-lead-paint-compliance) covers the state lead registration. The proposal can change before it passes. Questions go to [RentalLicensing@CharlesCountyMD.gov](mailto:RentalLicensing@CharlesCountyMD.gov) or 301.645.0692, ext. 2639. Solomons Island. Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0. ## 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](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/southern-maryland-evictions) and [late fee and collection guide](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/southern-maryland-collections) so you know what the court will ask for. The state also requires MDE [lead paint registration](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/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](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/maryland-landlord-tenant-law) shows how state and local rules fit together. ## Next step Not sure which license your home needs? Request a free assessment at [/contact-us](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/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. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do I need a rental license in Charles County? Not countywide today. The county page describes a proposed Rental Licensing Program that is under review, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027, subject to final adoption. The towns of La Plata and Indian Head already require a rental license. Check the county page for the latest status. ### How much would a Charles County rental license cost? The county page says a rental license will cost $107 annually, including at least two inspections, and that extra reinspections may add fees. The program is still a proposal and could change before adoption, so confirm the amount with the county's Planning and Growth Management office at 301.645.0692, ext. 2639. ### Does St. Mary's County require a rental license? The Maryland People's Law Library lists no long-term or short-term rental license for St. Mary's County, and none for the town of Leonardtown. That table was updated September 22, 2026. Confirm with the county before you list, because local rules can change. ### Does Calvert County require a rental license? The People's Law Library lists no county license for Calvert County. Two Calvert towns do license rentals: Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. If your home is inside either town, apply with the town. North Beach lists a long-term rental license valid for three years. ### How long is a Prince George's County rental license good for? The county's single-family rental license is a 2-year license. After an approved application, the county issues a temporary license for 30 to 90 days so an inspector can visit. If there are no violations and the tenant has no concerns, a license follows after the visit. Fees are non-refundable. ### What happens if I rent without a required license? You lose access to the court process for unpaid rent. The People's Law Library says that if a license is required and the property does not have one, the landlord cannot use the summary ejectment procedure. There are narrow exceptions, such as an administrative error by the local government. ## Terms on this page - [Lead paint registration](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-paint-registration) - [Failure to pay rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/failure-to-pay-rent) - [Rental license](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/rental-license) - [Late fee](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/late-fee) - [PCS](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/pcs) ## Sources 1. [Maryland People's Law Library: Rental License Requirements](https://www.peoples-law.org/rental-license-maryland-county-city-municipality-town-search) 2. [Maryland People's Law Library: Rental License Requirements (Calvert and Charles)](https://www.peoples-law.org/rental-license-maryland-county-city-municipality-town-search) 3. [Maryland People's Law Library: Rental License Requirements (towns)](https://www.peoples-law.org/rental-license-maryland-county-city-municipality-town-search) 4. [Maryland People's Law Library: Failure to Pay Rent](https://www.peoples-law.org/failure-pay-rent) 5. [Prince George's County: Single-Family Rental Licensing](https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/homeland-security/code-compliance/single-family-rental-licensing) 6. [Prince George's County: DPIE Fee Schedule](https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/default/files/media-document/DPIE%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf) 7. [Charles County Government: Rental Licensing Program](https://www.charlescountymd.gov/government/planning-and-growth-management/rental-licensing-program) 8. [Town of La Plata: Rental License](https://townoflaplata.org/180/Rental-License) 9. [Town of North Beach: Licensing](https://www.northbeachmd.gov/244/Licensing) 10. [Town of Indian Head: Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Forms](https://www.townofindianhead.org/index.asp?SEC=B87D62A3-92A6-4750-A776-A5A6E1C7924D&DE=CB03FD69-DCC7-4799-A996-249F225E82F4&Type=B_BASIC) 11. [Maryland Department of the Environment: Lead Registration for Landlords](https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/land/leadpoisoningprevention/pages/rentalowners.aspx) Checked against the sources above on October 29, 2026. Laws, fees and programs change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Maryland Lead Paint Rules for Rental Homes Built Before 1978Maryland owners of rental homes built before 1978 must register each unit with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), keep the registration current, and get a lead inspection certificate at every change of tenant, unless the home is certified lead-free. MDE's own pages show two different fees, so check the current fee.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/dme-lead-paint-compliance) - [Selling a Rental House With a Tenant in It: Maryland's Right of First RefusalYes, you can sell a rented house in Maryland. The lease stays in force, and for a property with three or fewer units you must first send each qualifying tenant a written notice of the right to make an offer. That notice comes before any listing. Missing it can cost up to $1,000 per violation.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/selling-a-tenant-occupied-rental) - [Housing Vouchers and Income-Based Subsidies: What Maryland Landlords Can and Cannot DoA housing voucher is a lawful source of rent in Maryland. Since October 1, 2026, a landlord who uses financial information in applications generally may not refuse an applicant with an income-based subsidy because of income, credit score, or past credit problems. You may still check references and verify the tenant's share of rent.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/housing-vouchers-maryland-landlords) ## Ask what your home could rent for. Free. A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure. [Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)