Laurel, Maryland
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Laurel, MD
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Local STR Agent
STR Regulations for Laurel, Maryland
Overview
Short-term rentals are allowed in Laurel, MD. The city operates a residential rental licensing program that covers all rental units, including short-term rentals, provided they meet minimum property maintenance standards and obtain proper licensing. Properties must comply with the International Property Maintenance Code and undergo regular inspections.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Laurel, MD
Step 1: Determine Licensing Authority
- For properties within Laurel city limits: Apply through the City of Laurel's Fire Marshal and Permit Services
- Note: Verify your property's jurisdiction using the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Search. If "Town of Laurel" appears in the "Town" column, you must apply with the city rather than the county.
Step 2: Complete the Licensing Process
- Submit Application: Complete and submit the Residential Rental License Application, signed by the property owner
- Pay Fees: Submit the $40.00 annual license fee per unit
- Initial Inspection: For new applicants, an initial inspection is required (scheduled by staff after application submission)
- Zoning Review: All permits are subject to zoning review and approval
Step 3: Ongoing Compliance
- Re-inspection Schedule: Properties with less than 12 units must be re-inspected every three years
- Property Standards: Maintain compliance with International Property Maintenance Code standards
- Code Violations: Address any correction orders within specified timeframes
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
City of Laurel Requirements
- Residential Rental License Application (required PDF form)
- Annual License Fee: $40.00 per unit (all structure types)
- Property Owner Signature: Application must be signed by the property owner
- Initial Inspection: Mandatory for new applicants
- Zoning Approval: Required for all rental licenses
State of Maryland Requirements
Based on the provided content, Maryland has additional requirements for rental properties:
- Lead Paint Compliance: Residential rental properties must comply with Maryland's Lead Law
- Lead Law Compliance Checklist required
- Fact sheets and legal documentation available through MDE
- Applies to properties built before 1978
County-Level Requirements (If Applicable)
Prince George's County also provides resources for rental housing:
- Momentum Portal: Online application system for rental licenses
- Enforcement Division: Administers single-family, multifamily, and short-term rental licenses
- Additional Inspections: May be required for properties under county jurisdiction
Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction
City of Laurel Regulations
- Scope: All rental units including hotels, motels, multi-family, single-family detached, townhouses, condominiums, apartment units above/below businesses, and individual rooms rented to non-blood relatives
- Standards: International Property Maintenance Code governs property maintenance
- Inspection Cycles:
- Properties with <12 units: Re-inspected every three years
- Properties with 12-59 units: Minimum 65% of units inspected every three years
- Properties with 60+ units: May require annual inspection at Chief Building Official's discretion
- Extensions: One-year inspection extension may be granted if no fire/life safety violations are found
Prince George's County Regulations (for non-municipal properties)
- Short-Term Rental Licenses: Administered by DPIE's Enforcement Division
- Platform Requirements: Separate licensing for short-term rental platforms
- Jurisdiction Exceptions: Certain municipalities handle their own licensing
State of Maryland Regulations
- Lead Paint Law: Applies to rental properties built before 1978
- Environmental Requirements: MDE oversight for environmental compliance
- Local Government Article: State regulations governing local government rental requirements
Contact Information
City of Laurel
Department: Fire Marshal and Permit Services
Contact: Joseph R. Robison
Address: Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road, Laurel, MD 20707
Phone: 301-725-5300
Standard Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Inspection Scheduling: 301-725-5300, ext. 2238
Website: www.cityoflaurel.org
Prince George's County
Department: Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE)
Contact: Contact DPIE portal
Address: Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, 1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
Email: Contact through DPIE portal
Momentum Portal: momentumhome.princegeorgescountymd.gov
Additional Resources
Landlord/Tenant Issues: Prince George's County Landlord/Tenant Office
Phone: 301-699-2789
Source Pages
- City of Laurel Residential Rental Licenses
- Prince George's County Rental Housing Licenses
- Maryland SDAT Real Property Search
- Prince George's County Momentum Portal
- City of Laurel Residential Rental License Application (PDF)
- Rental License Inspection Requirements (PDF)
Important Notes for Investors:
- Always verify current requirements with official government sources
- Regulations may change; staying updated through official channels is essential
- Consider professional legal consultation for complex compliance questions
- Budget for ongoing inspection and maintenance costs in your investment projections
Laurel
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Laurel
Overview of Laurel
Laurel is a city in Maryland, United States, located midway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore on the banks of the Patuxent River. While the city limits are entirely in northern Prince George's County, outlying developments extend into Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Howard counties. Founded as a mill town in the early 19th century, Laurel expanded local industry and was later able to become an early commuter town for Washington and Baltimore workers following the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1835. Largely residential today, the city maintains a historic district centered on its Main Street, highlighting its industrial past. The Department of Defense is a prominent presence in the Laurel area today, with the Fort Meade Army base, the NSA and Johns Hopkins' Applied Physics Laboratory all located nearby. Laurel Park, a thoroughbred horse racetrack, is located just outside the city limits.
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