Many Maryland jurisdictions, including Prince George's County, Montgomery County and Baltimore City, require rental licenses with periodic inspections. Units rented through housing voucher programs get their own inspections too. The specific checklists vary, but the same items fail over and over.
MOST COMMON FAIL ITEMS
- Smoke and CO detectors: missing, expired, not working, or not in every required location
- GFCI outlets missing or not tripping in kitchens, baths and near water
- Missing outlet and switch cover plates
- Peeling or chipping paint, especially in pre-1978 homes. See lead paint guide.
- Handrails missing or loose on stairs with several risers
- Windows that won't open, stay open, or lock; broken glass or missing screens
- Doors that don't latch or lock, especially entry doors
- Leaks under sinks, running toilets, dripping faucets
- Water heater without a discharge pipe on the relief valve
- Trip hazards: torn carpet, loose flooring, broken steps
- Holes in walls or ceilings, water stains
- Pest evidence
PRE-INSPECTION CHECKLIST
- Test every smoke and CO detector; replace any over 10 years old.
- Press test/reset on every GFCI.
- Walk every room for missing cover plates and burnt-out bulbs.
- Open, close and lock every window and door.
- Run every faucet, flush every toilet, look under every sink.
- Turn on the stove burners, oven, range hood, bath fans and HVAC.
- Check stair rails by pulling firmly.
- Scrape and repaint any peeling paint.
- Patch holes and repaint stains.
- Clear the exterior: gutters, steps, walkways, trash.
CHECK YOUR JURISDICTION
Inspection standards and frequencies differ by county and program, and they change. Review your county's current rental licensing checklist or your housing authority's inspection standard before scheduling.
TYPICAL PRE-INSPECTION REPAIR COSTS
| Item | Typical DMV Cost |
|---|---|
| Make-ready handyman visit (minor items, half day) | $250 – $500 |
| Replace smoke/CO detectors (per unit) | $40 – $90 each |
| Install a handrail | $250 – $600 |
| Scrape and repaint failing areas | $200 – $800 |
We work with landlords and property managers on pre-inspection punch lists. Send us the inspector's list or your county checklist and we'll quote it line by line.
RELATED READING
PROPERTY TURNOVER CHECKLIST FOR DMV LANDLORDS
Everything to address between tenants — painting, repairs, cleaning, and what landlords in DC, Maryland, and Virginia consistently overlook.
NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR VS. DAMAGE
Practical examples for paint, floors, walls and fixtures, plus documentation that holds up.
RENTAL MAINTENANCE BUDGET FOR DMV LANDLORDS
Rules of thumb, annual line items and turnover costs for single-family rentals and small portfolios.
Planning a project? See our Property Maintenance service page for scope, process and recent work.
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