The City of Frederick is pleased to announce the establishment of an online portal for landlords to register rental properties to prepare for the launch of the Rental Licensing Ordinance, an initiative aimed at ensuring safe housing for all renters in Frederick.
Rental Licensing Ordinance Going Into Effect: Beginning Jan. 1st, 2024, Frederick's Rental Licensing Ordinance will become fully operational.
Ordinance Requirements: Under the Rental Licensing Ordinance, rental units are mandated to meet specific standards, ensuring the safety, health, and comfort of tenants. To maintain transparency and accountability, random building inspections by our dedicated Code Enforcement team will be carried out with a 30-day notice to landlords. Additionally, landlords are required to have local representatives for their properties, fostering better communication and faster issue resolution.
Licensing: To all landlords in Frederick, here's a friendly reminder: Avoid the Fine, Register on Time! Ensure your compliance with the ordinance by registering your rental units by Dec. 31st, 2023. A license fee of $240.00 per unit is applicable, and each license is valid for two years. It's now easier than ever to register online; simply visit frederickmd.gov/rentals to get started.
Examples of Rental Properties Regulated by the Ordinance: The Rental Licensing Ordinance applies to various types of rental properties, including:
- Apartments
- Single Family Homes
- Townhomes
- Accessory Dwelling Units
Residents Should Also Know Your Rights as a Tenant: As a tenant in Frederick, you have rights and responsibilities. If you find yourself in any of the following situations:
- You are in a dispute with your landlord
- You are facing housing discrimination
- You are facing eviction
We encourage you to chat with one of our housing counselors at the Department of Housing and Human Services. The Landlord/Tenant Rental Counseling is also available by appointment.
The Department of Housing & Human Services Can Assist If:
- You have concerns about your rental situation
- You need guidance on tenant rights and responsibilities
- You are facing any housing-related challenges
Additionally, if you come across rental properties that do not meet the minimum maintenance standards outlined in the ordinance, please report them by submitting a code complaint to the Code Enforcement Department at frederickmd.gov/codecomplaint.
To learn more about the ordinance visit cityoffrederickmd.gov/RLO
To learn more about minimum maintenance standards and tenant rights, please visit frederickmd.gov/RLstandards and frederickmd.gov/hco.