Frederick City Livability Code for Rental Dwellings

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On January 1, 1989 Frederick City adopted the Minimum Livability Code for residential rental structures.

This code was created to protect the public health, safety and welfare in residential structures and premises by:

(1) Establishing minimum property maintenance standards for basic equipment and facilities used for light, ventilation, heating and sanitation for residential structures and premises, and for safe and sanitary maintenance of residential structures and premises;

(2) Establishing minimum requirements for residential structures and premises for means of egress, fire protection systems and other equipment and devices necessary for safety from fire;

(3) Fixing the responsibilities of property owners, operators and tenants of residential structures and premises; and

(4) Providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.


Tenants are encouraged to work through their landlord or management company first to resolve disputes or violations of the livability code. If the landlord does not correct the problem, tenants are then are encouraged to call us. Our personnel will conduct an inspection, and determine the violations and officially (in writing) notify the owner/landlord of their responsibility and work towards a timely repair. Tenants cannot make anonymous complaints.

The most important part of any landlord – tenant relationship is knowing each others rights and responsibilities. If you would like to obtain a comprehensive, inexpensive book on local and state laws governing landlord – tenant relations, you may contact:

Baltimore Neighborhoods Inc.
2217 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
410-243-6007
1-800-487-6007