Mayor Brandon Scott signed the Rental Dwelling and Safety Enforcement Act (Council Bill 25-0141) on Thursday, strengthening Baltimore’s ability to hold landlords accountable for the condition of their rental properties. The legislation expands the city’s rental‑licensing program, adds new enforcement tools, and targets fraudulent licensing practices that have put families at risk.
Key provisions of the new law
The act requires every rental unit to obtain a city license that verifies compliance with health and safety standards. It also creates a new enforcement mechanism that allows the Department of Housing and Community Development to take swift action against landlords who fail to meet those standards. The law addresses fraud in the licensing process by prohibiting third‑party inspectors hired by property managers or landlords from conducting inspections, a loophole that previously allowed unsafe properties to be falsely certified.
Why the change matters for Baltimore families
Councilwoman Odette Ramos, the bill’s lead sponsor, explained that fewer than half of the city’s rental units are currently licensed, and many of those that are licensed do not meet basic safety requirements. “This bill aims to address two main issues related to our rental properties,” Ramos said. “We need to ensure that every family in Baltimore can live in a safe home.”
The urgency of the legislation was underscored by a September 2026 incident in which six children, all nine years old or younger, were found alone in a rental unit that, despite holding an active license, was riddled with broken glass, dog feces, and lacked food and adequate clothing. Neighbors intervened, and the children were taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital for care. Ramos noted that the incident highlighted how fraudulent licensing can leave vulnerable children exposed to dangerous conditions.
Support from tenant advocates and legal experts
Samantha Gowing, an attorney with the Public Justice Center and a member of the Safe Homes Now coalition, praised the bill as a comprehensive tool to combat “bad actors” in the rental market. “Baltimore City needs strong tools to stop bad actors from renting out dangerous properties,” Gowing said. “This legislation closes loopholes and ensures that every resident can expect a safe living environment.”
Implementation timeline
Several provisions of the act take effect immediately upon the mayor’s signature, giving the city’s housing department the authority to begin enforcement actions right away. Additional measures, including certain reporting requirements and penalties, will become operative on December 31, 2027, allowing landlords time to come into compliance.
The new law builds on the earlier Strengthening Renters Safety Act, which laid the groundwork for tighter licensing but lacked robust enforcement mechanisms. By combining licensing expansion with stronger oversight, the Rental Dwelling and Safety Enforcement Act reflects Baltimore’s commitment to protecting families and upholding community standards.
What this means for landlords and tenants
Landlords will need to apply for or renew their rental licenses under the new criteria, ensuring that properties meet fire safety, structural integrity, and sanitation standards. Tenants can expect more reliable inspections and a clearer avenue for reporting unsafe conditions. The city has pledged to work with industry practitioners to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous safety checks.
Mayor Scott emphasized that the administration views safe housing as a fundamental right for all Baltimore residents. “Our goal is to create a healthier, safer city for families,” he said. “By holding landlords accountable, we protect our neighborhoods and uphold the values that make Baltimore strong.”
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
