City of Annapolis Customer Information Booklet for Rental Operating License and Property Maintenance
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City of Annapolis
Customer Information Booklet
for
Rental Operating License
and
Property Maintenance
1This booklet is designed to be helpful to all citizens, whether tenant,
homeowner or landlord as an information guide to the Property Maintenance
Code of the City of Annapolis.
Boxes indicate requirements of the Property Maintenance Code.
The City of Annapolis follows the International Property Maintenance
Code 2012 and City Code.
This booklet is not intended to have legal status. For precise definitions and
descriptions of requirements, see the City Code on the website at
www.annapolis.gov.
Property Maintenance
The City’s continuing effort to maintain the appearance of neighborhoods is
achieved through the Department of Neighborhood & Environmental
Programs. The goal of this program is to help preserve property values and
housing stock and to help maintain the good appearance of the community.
Through our department neighborhoods are patrolled by property
maintenance inspectors in an effort to spot and eliminate code violations.
Your cooperation is needed to maintain your property free of defects as noted
in this booklet. Please call the Department of Neighborhood & Environmental
Programs at 410-260-2200 for any additional information, concerns, or
complaints.
All construction projects of a value of $500.00 or more shall require a
permit.
All electric and plumbing work must be done by contractors holding a
valid City of Annapolis license and City permits must be obtained.
Mechanical and building work by be done by contractors holding a
valid State of Maryland License. Applications for permits may be
obtained through the Department of Neighborhood and
Environmental Programs.
Revised 10/2014
2City of Annapolis
Contact Numbers
Addresses .................................................................................... 410-260-2200
Bed & Breakfast Info.................................................................... 410-260-2200
Electrical Permits ......................................................................... 410-260-2200
Fees ............................................................................................. 410-260-2200
Fire Marshal ................................................................................. 410-260-2202
Handicap Requirements .............................................................. 410-260-2200
Health Department ...................................................................... 410-222-7192
Historic Preservation ................................................................... 410-260-2000
Inspections .................................................................................. 410-260-2200
Landscaping ................................................................................ 410-260-2200
Mechanical Permits ..................................................................... 410-260-2200
Parking Permits ........................................................................... 410-263-7953
Permits (General) ........................................................................ 410-260-2200
Petroleum Storage Tanks ............................................................ 410-260-2200
Planning and Zoning.................................................................... 410-260-2000
Plumbing /Gas Permits ................................................................ 410-260-2200
Public Works Administration ........................................................410-263-7949
Residential Rental Prop ............................................................... 410-260-2200
Setback Information..................................................................... 410-260-2200
Trees............................................................................................ 410-260-2200
Use & Occupancy ........................................................................ 410-260-2200
Water Billing………………………………………………………… 410-263-7953
Property Maintenance Inspectors can be reached by telephone or email:
Bobbie Baker ........... 410-260-2000 ext. 7703 Email: bebaker@annapolis.gov
Mary Emrick ....................410-260-2200 ext. 7705 Email: mee@annapolis.gov
Adam Knight ............. 410-260-2200 ext. 7732 Email: atknight@annapolis.gov
Chief of Code Enforcement
John Menassa ...... 410-260-2200 ext. 7808 Email: jmenassa@annapolis.gov
3AT A MINIMUM, A PROPERTY OWNER, LANDLORD, OR OWNER-
OCCUPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE THINGS:
Obtaining a rental license before renting a property.
Providing a copy of this booklet to the tenants.
Not renting out housing with code violations.
Keeping clean the shared or public areas of dwellings with two or
more units.
Eradication of rodents, insects and other pests.
Providing name, address and telephone number (P.O. box number is
not enough) of the owner or his agent.
Not putting garbage or rubbish in the streets, storm drains or on the
property.
Notifying occupants of exits.
Not allowing overcrowding.
Supplying hot and cold water.
Providing hardwired smoke alarms in each room used for sleeping,
hallways outside of each sleeping area, and one on each floor.
Insuring that tenants have trash cans with tightly fitting lids and
recycling bins
Providing Smoke Alarms (See page12)
Include City Code 18.04 in the lease (See Page 14 & 15)
4A TENANT IS SOMEONE WHO RENTS THE PLACE IN WHICH THEY
LIVE, WHETHER IT IS AN APARTMENT OR A HOUSE, AND HAS THESE
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Keeping the dwelling unit clean (particularly cleaning floors and walls)
and keeping plumbing and HVAC equipment unobstructed.
Appropriate disposal of garbage and refuse in approved containers.
Not committing vandalism and not permitting anyone else to
vandalize.
Not blocking exits or stairways with furniture, bicycles, or other
obstacles.
Not storing flammable liquids inside.
Giving the owner access to make repairs at reasonable times.
Properly using and operating all electrical fixtures, including smoke
alarms and plumbing fixtures.
Landlord / Tenant Help Line: 800-487-6007
The Tenant-Landlord program seeks to improve the relationship between tenants
and landlords by informing them of their rights under the law. BNI Tenant-
Landlord Counselors provide information to callers but not legal advice. They
offer free intro packets to tenants and landlords which answer commonly asked
questions, such as, security deposits, evictions, rent court, maintenance, and
proper notice. Their Guide to Local, State, and Federal Laws Governing Tenant-
Landlord Relations is distributed to District Court judges and is also available for
purchase through the mail by the general public.
5For Owners
LOOK AT … THE OUTSIDE STRUCTURE
Home
structurally sound
rodent-proof
weather-proof
well-maintained
Chimney Porch
secure firm
lining intact in good repair
roof not leaking
guard rail sound
Doors Roof
weather tight free of leaks
waterproof
hinges and locks okay
Foundation Steps
sound not worn
no holes evenly spaced
no cracks no tripping hazards
handrails firmly attached
Gutters and Down Spouts Walls
not obstructed no holes
no leaks no cracks
firmly attached surface intact
Paint Windows
wood surface protected can be opened
metal surface protected unbroken
not peeling sash fits
weather tight
insect screens (tightly fitted
with no voids)
LOOK AT … THE OUTSIDE
6 Yard clean and well-maintained. (Uninviting to rodents, insects and
vermin)
Doors removed from abandoned refrigerators
No trash in street, gutter, and property
Weeds and grass cut
Yard graded properly for drainage
Fence in good repair
House number visible
Trim overgrown bushes
Fence, garage, or shed in good condition
No major auto repairs; all vehicles must be intact.
Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or
unregistered motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any
premises, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major
disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or
dismantled. All vehicles must display current license plates.
Trash Cans
Sufficient quantity
Leak proof containers
Tightly closed lids
No litter in trash area
Recycling is mandatory. For information about recycling or obtaining
recycling bins contact Department of Public Works
Trash cannot be placed on the curb earlier than 6:00 p.m. preceding
the scheduled collection day. Approved refuse containers shall be
removed from the sidewalk no later than 12:00 a.m. following the
scheduled collection day. In the historic district, as defined in Title 21,
approved refuse containers must be removed from public view.
Trash cans to be stored in rear yard
7LOOK AT … THE INSIDE
Is it clean, safe and well-maintained?
(And free of rodents and insects?)
Door If multiple family dwelling
safe license displayed
not blocked second way out of dwelling
fits its frame
weather tight
key locks on bedroom doors
are not permitted
Electrical System Paint
service provided not flaking
two outlets per room, minimum meets Maryland Department
GFCI in Laundry, Bathroom, & of the Environment Lead Law
Kitchen requirements
no frayed cords
do not overload outlet or
system
shall be served by a three-wire
120/240v, single phase electric
service with a rating of no less
than 60 amps.
Floors Walls and Ceiling Windows
sound smooth
no tripping hazards intact
Hallway no loose wallpaper or paint
lighted clean
clean & unobstructed have glass
not broken
open freely
weather tight
have screens
8LOOK AT … THE BATHROOM
A Trouble Spot
The Housing Code requires, in working condition:
a tub or shower
a wash basin
a toilet
a light and GFCI outlet
Everyone should be sure to:
• avoid wasting water by having leaking faucet or toilet fixed
Water and electricity can electrocute you, so:
• use a non-metallic cord instead of a pull chain
• never use an electric clock or radio in the bathroom
9LOOK AT … THE KITCHEN
The Housing Code requires:
cooking range in good working order
space for storage
refrigerator in good working order
water from approved source
hot and cold water
no chipping paint, especially
poisonous lead paint
no dripping faucet
DANGER!
On a cold night, there is a real temptation to turn on the burners of a
gas stove, plug up the window cracks with rags, and close the door.
Don’t do it. That is a sure way to use up the oxygen and cause
carbon monoxide poisoning. You or your children can be overcome
by carbon monoxide.
Correct electrical problems like:
unprotected outlets within 6 feet of the sink
overloaded outlets
frayed wires
Remove roach and rodent attractions, including:
dirty dishes
dirty stove
garbage inside, and in flimsy containers
accumulation of grease buildup on and around stove
10LOOK AT … THE BASEMENT
Cellar (below basement) Stairway
not for sleeping lighted
railing secure
steps secure
Electrical System Storage
properly grounded flammable storage away from
wires insulated gas appliances
no extension cords as
permanent wiring
circuit breaker box enclosed
no oversize fuses
Floor Walls
solidly paved waterproof
waterproof not flaking
storage above floor
no trash accumulated
grill over drainpipe outlet
Heating System Water
0
not less than 68 F no cross connection of waste
sealed against fumes pipe and water pipe
in working order
safety switch
furnace sections sealed
ducts and pipes leak-free
If Occupied Water Heater
0
has emergency exit not less than 110 F
has windows meeting vented if gas-fired
minimum means of egress safety device installed
11Smoke Alarms
(Also called Smoke Detectors)
Smoke Alarms shall be:
1 Located on the ceiling or wall outside of each sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.
3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars.
4. In homes with stairs, a smoke detector should be at the head (top) of
each.
5. Primarily operate on an AC electric power supply. Each smoke alarm
shall be wired into the circuit serving the area in which it is located.
No smoke alarm shall be connected directly to the electrical system of
the structure unless an electrical permit first has been obtained.
12What does Overcrowding Mean?
A Bedroom must be at least:
70 square feet for one person (min of 7 feet in any dimension)
And if slept in by 2 or more must have:
50 square feet for each additional person
The ceilings in attics or top half-stories must be at least seven (7) feet
high over one-third of the area.
The ceiling of half of a bathroom or a room used for living purposes
must be seven (7) feet high.
Note:
In figuring how big a room is, any part of a room lower than five (5)
feet high does not count.
Each dwelling unit must have separate access to a hall, landing, stair
or street
13Required Lease Terms
Annapolis City Code 18.04.010 - Lease agreements—Required terms.
B. All leases or agreements for the occupancy of a dwelling unit for which an
operating license is required under Section 17.44.010 of this code shall be
offered, in written form, for a minimum initial term of one year to be accepted at
the prospective tenant's option, unless a reasonable cause exists for offering an
initial term of less than one year.
1. For purposes of this subsection, reasonable cause shall mean those
situations which would create undue hardships or expense for a landlord to enter
into a one-year lease. Such situations may include, but not be limited to, the sale
of a dwelling unit with settlement to occur within a one-year period, a bona fide
contract to sell within a one-year period or a planned conversion to condominium
or cooperative within a one-year period.
2. The landlord shall include the following statement on all lease agreements
insuring that it is properly initialed by the prospective tenant and, if an addendum
to a written lease, that it is signed and dated by the parties:
The law of the City of Annapolis requires landlords, unless there is
reasonable cause otherwise, to offer all prospective tenants lease
agreements for initial terms of one year. Such an offer may be accepted at
the option of the prospective tenant. Prior to entering this lease, the tenant
hereby acknowledges that (initial and date one option below):
A. I was offered and accepted a one-year lease term by the landlord.
B. I was offered but rejected a one-year lease term by the landlord.
C. I received a copy of a written statement in which the landlord asserts
and explains a reasonable cause for failing to offer me a one-year initial lease
term and was advised of my rights to challenge such statement by filing a
complaint with the Department of Neighborhood and Environmental
Programs.
143. Providers of temporary and emergency shelters, including those shelters
managed by religious organizations, are specifically exempt from the operation of this
chapter.
C. All leases or agreements for the occupancy of a dwelling unit for which an
operating license is required under Section 17.44.010 of this code shall be bound by
and include the following statement which cannot be waived by either party:
The Code of the City of Annapolis requires that leases offered to prospective
tenants specify that all maintenance, including repairs and replacements due to
normal wear and tear, but not including those resulting from negligence or
deliberate damage by the tenant, is the responsibility of the Landlord who shall
arrange for maintenance in a timely manner. As a minimum, leased units must be
maintained in full compliance with the residential housing standards as
enumerated in Chapter 17.40 of the Code of the City of Annapolis and applicable
provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Repairs of dangerous defects by
the Landlord are subject to Section 8-211 of the Real Property Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland. All maintenance, repairs or replacements resulting
from negligence or deliberate damage by the Tenant is entirely the responsibility
of the Tenant. At the Landlord's option, the Tenant may be required to arrange for
appropriate repairs, and pay for such repairs directly to the contractor.
D. When the landlord presents a potential or signed lease or agreement to the
prospective or actual tenant, the landlord shall also provide the most recent copy of
a booklet prepared by the Director of Neighborhood and Environmental Programs
explaining the rights of the tenant and who to contact for assistance in landlord-tenant
relations.
(Ord. O-7-06 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. O-26-03 § 1 (part): Ord. O-65-87 § 1)
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