Howard County charges a biennial rental housing license fee of $85 per dwelling unit under Code 14.901, according to the county's proposed FY2027 fee resolution.
Howard County licenses rental housing on a two-year cycle, and its recordation and transfer taxes add to the closing costs on a purchase. For the Maryland rules that apply statewide, see DSCR loans in Maryland.
Do Howard County rentals need a license?
Yes. Howard County charges a biennial rental housing license fee under Code 14.901, and the proposed FY2027 fee resolution, effective July 1, 2026 if adopted, proposes no change from $85 per dwelling unit.
- The fee is listed under the heading Biennial License Fee.
Exception: Whether the FY2027 resolution was adopted was not confirmed. Check the current fee with the county.
According to Howard County DILP fee resolution (2026), as of October 2026.
What closing taxes apply in Howard County?
Howard County's transfer tax is 1.25% of consideration and its recordation tax is $2.50 per $500 or fraction, with the state transfer tax of 0.5% on top.
| Tax | Rate |
|---|---|
| County transfer tax | 1.25% |
| County recordation tax | $2.50 per $500 |
| State transfer tax | 0.5% |
Exception: Exemptions and who pays are not covered here. Confirm with the title company.
According to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County, Land Records, Maryland Judiciary, as of October 2026.
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This page is general education about business-purpose real estate financing and state law as published by official sources on the date shown. It is not legal, tax or lending advice, not an offer to lend and not a rate quote. Laws and lender guidelines change; confirm current rules with the lender, the title company and your own attorney or tax adviser.