Housing Code/Rentals

Review the Housing Code of Cumberland - Municipal Code, Chapter 5, Article VI.  (Click the link provided at right or bottom).

Residential Rentals

If a residential dwelling unit is to be occupied by someone other than the owner, licensing of the unit as a rental and a housing inspection by the City is required. The current fee is $25 per unit per year. Units occupied by family members or non-rent paying persons are NOT exempt from the licensing and inspection process. The licensing year follows the City's fiscal year of July 1 through June 30.

If the owner is not a resident of Allegany County, Maryland, an agent who lives in Allegany County must be assigned by the owner and an Agent Registration form must be completed.

INSPECTIONS - The unit must be inspected by a City Code Enforcement Officer before a tenant may move in (unless a 'passed' inspection was performed within the previous 12 months). To have a residential rental unit inspected by a City of Cumberland Code Enforcement Officer to assure compliance with the City of Cumberland Municipal Code, Chapter 5, Article VI, Housing, please call 301-722-2000 extension 5600.

The following must be completed prior to the City's Housing Inspection:

• The unit must be in move-in condition, vacant, and in compliance with current Housing Code. All utilities must be turned on and MD State Fire Marshall required Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors must be in proper position. 
• The property owner/agent must have a valid 'passed' State of Maryland Lead Certificate before each new occupant may move in. The State of Maryland requires a yearly registration and this inspection between every occupancy. A copy of the current 'passed' lead inspection certificate, must be presented - or waiver if applicable. No exceptions!
• At the present time, a fee is not being charged to assure compliance with the housing code; however, if the unit fails the inspection or the Code Enforcement Officer needs to return, a $25 fee will be charged for the re-inspection. Also, if an owner/agent/tenant wants an inspection conducted within a licensed residential dwelling unit, and one is not needed to satisfy the code, a $25 fee will be charged.