Program Work
Use this form to contact us if you're a member of the media, have a general question about our organization and the services we provide, or if you just want to say hello. If you need assistance with a Fair Housing or tenant-landlord matter, please use the Landlord-Tenant or Fair Housing buttons above!
Housing News
Maryland OPC Resource Guides for Assistance with Utility Bills
The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) represents Maryland residential customers before the Public Service Commission and federal agencies, and provides assistance with utility issues, including affordable and reliable service. They also assist with complaints regarding utility service providers. For information on how to file a complaint, how to request assistance with your Maryland utility Read more about Maryland OPC Resource Guides for Assistance with Utility Bills[…]
Maryland Counties With Rental Registration/Licensing Requirements
We get a lot of questions from both landlords and tenants about rental licensing and/or registration. The jurisdictions below are where most of our registration and licensing questions originate from. This list is by no means complete — please do your research if you’re a landlord or tenant, and contact your local planning, zoning, or Read more about Maryland Counties With Rental Registration/Licensing Requirements[…]
Maryland Water and Property Tax Payments Search by County
Note: Not all counties have online access to property tax and water bills. If a county is not listed below, the information is not available online. Allegany County: Property Taxes Water Billing Anne Arundel County: Property Taxes Water Billing Baltimore City: Property Taxes Water Billing Baltimore County: Property Taxes Water Billing (Baltimore County residents pay Read more about Maryland Water and Property Tax Payments Search by County[…]
Maryland Code Enforcement Agencies by County
Allegany County Office of Code Compliance Anne Arundel County Code Compliance Division Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development Baltimore County Code Enforcement Calvert County Code Enforcement Caroline County Planning and Codes Carroll County Current Building Codes Cecil County Permits and Inspections Division Charles County Codes, Ordinances, and Regulatory Documents Dorchester County Planning and Read more about Maryland Code Enforcement Agencies by County[…]
New Tenant-Focused Maryland Laws
(Links open a PDF version of the bill text). HB 932/ SB 592: This emergency bill goes into effect immediately and affects renters with failure to pay rent judgments entered against them. While renters can generally stay in their homes if they pay off rent owed plus late fees, this law clarifies that this right Read more about New Tenant-Focused Maryland Laws[…]
New Maryland Laws!
Maryland’s new laws went into effect October 1. Here are some important laws that will affect tenants and landlords: LANDLORD–TENANT – NONRENEWAL OF LEASE – NOTICE REQUIREMENTS Altering the period of time prior to the expiration of a tenancy that a landlord is required to notify a tenant, in writing, of the intent to terminate Read more about New Maryland Laws![…]
Baltimore City Lease Renewal Law
As of July 20, 2021, a new Baltimore City lease renewal law went into effect, where a landlord must renew a tenant’s lease unless a “good cause” exists to terminate the landlord-tenant relationship. The new law is the result of a loophole in the eviction ‘moratorium’ that allowed landlords to decline lease renewals for existing Read more about Baltimore City Lease Renewal Law[…]
UPDATED: Maryland COVID Rental Assistance Programs by County
Important: As each county and Baltimore City have their own eligibility requirements and applications, please contact them with questions, or visit the websites listed. Also, funding for these programs is limited, and may not be available when you apply. Some counties have a wait list, others close and reopen as more funding becomes available. This Read more about UPDATED: Maryland COVID Rental Assistance Programs by County[…]
Baltimore City Rental Property Inspection, Licensing, and Registration Law
Non owner-occupied properties in Baltimore City are required to be registered with the City. Additionally, non owner-occupied rental properties also have to be inspected and licensed, in addition to the registration requirement. This law went into effect in 2018, and applies to single-family homes as well as multifamily properties (apartments), rental condos, etc. A landlord Read more about Baltimore City Rental Property Inspection, Licensing, and Registration Law[…]
Baltimore City Opens Rental Assistance for Tenants Impacted by COVID
Baltimore City DHCD funding for tenants who were affected by COVID-related job loss/reduction in hours begins today, July 1 and closes July 13. Please visit DHCD’s website for more information and eligibility requirements.