The Baltimore Property Checklist

Match the address to the parcel, confirm who actually owns it, and find every balance attached before you price the deal.

• Match the address to the parcel and seller S1

  Save the SDAT record: block/lot or account ID, recorded owner, year built, area and transfer history. Have the settlement agent verify title and seller authority.

• Determine whether ground rent exists S2

  Ask the title company to confirm fee simple or leasehold ownership, payments, arrears and any redemption. A blank registry result is not proof that no ground lease exists.

• Check taxes, water and other City balances S3

  Save current real-property and water account results. Ask settlement for all liens and payoff amounts, including citations or City work charges; an online balance is not a title search.

• Rebuild the tax budget for your ownership

  Ask which credits, exemptions or special district charges apply after sale and rehab. Do not simply reuse the seller's net tax bill; confirm any vacant-property tax treatment with Finance.

A renovated appearance, or someone already living there, does not establish that occupancy is cleared.

• Check the current vacant building notice status S4

  Ask DHCD for address-specific status and request the seller's written VBN disclosure where applicable.

• Get the required occupancy evidence S4 S5

  For a VBN property, obtain the valid use and occupancy certificate and confirm abatement with DHCD. A use permit is also required for occupancy after more than one year unoccupied, additions, and changes of authorized use.

Compare the actual building and your intended project with City records. Save permit numbers, approval documents and the date of every search.

• Verify authorized use and dwelling unit count S5 S6

  Check zoning and ask DHCD for the approved use and unit count. Separate meters, kitchens or a listing saying "duplex" do not establish a lawful conversion.

• Check violations and enforcement orders S4 S6

  Ask DHCD for open housing/building violations, stop-work, unsafe-structure and demolition orders. Record deadlines and required clearance documents, not just citation amounts.

• Match renovation claims to permit scopes S7

  Collect permits for structural changes, additions and applicable electrical, plumbing and mechanical work. Compare the dates, address, scope and contractor with what is visible or advertised.

• Verify inspection outcomes and permit status S6 S7

  Request approved plans, relevant rough-in approvals and final inspection results. "Issued" is not proof the work passed final inspection. Ask about expired permits or changed scopes.

• Resolve missing records without assuming wrongdoing

  Ask the seller for missing permits and approvals; try address variants and the parcel ID. Record "not located in the sources checked" and request a City answer if the gap matters.

CHAP review can affect windows, doors, paint, masonry and roof work — confirm it before you price any exterior scope.

• Check CHAP status and obtain disclosures S8

  Determine whether the property is in a local preservation district or on the exterior landmark or potential-landmark list. Ask separately about other preservation/conservation designations.

• Confirm approvals for proposed exterior changes S8

  Ask CHAP about windows, doors, paint, masonry, formstone, roof changes, additions and demolition before ordering work. For covered properties, obtain required Authorization to Proceed and permits.

Permit / use / CHAP questions and documents still needed

Complete this section if you plan to rent. Registration alone is not a rental license.

• Check City registration and the new-owner filing S9

  Non-owner-occupied dwelling units and vacant structures have registration requirements. A new owner of a non-owner-occupied unit or rooming house must file within 10 days of acquiring title.

• Verify the rental license and inspection package S10

  Confirm an effective license, covered units and expiration with DHCD. Request the inspection report and ask how ownership changes affect licensing.

• Check Maryland lead records for pre-1978 rentals S11

  Obtain the MDE registration/tracking information and applicable lead certificate or documented exemption. Confirm turnover requirements and new-owner registration; fresh paint is not lead certification.

• Reconcile occupied-property records

  Get leases, amendments, deposits, rent ledger, utility responsibilities and outstanding repair requests. Have your adviser address any mismatch between tenants, unit count and licensed use.

Use these to identify inspections and quotes you need — not to certify code compliance.

• Inspect shared walls, adjoining vacancy and exposed sides

  Photograph cracks, bulging brick, joist pockets and adjacent demolition or vacancy. Ask an engineer about movement and shared-wall support; ask who controls access for repairs.

• Check roof, rear addition and basement water

  Look for parapet/flashing leaks, ponding evidence, damp party walls, basement staining and sump history. Request a roof evaluation and water-source diagnosis, not just a waterproofing quote.

• Price sewer, utilities and concealed rehabilitation

  Ask for a sewer scope, service-line review and licensed trade assessments of panel/service, wiring, plumbing and HVAC. For open framing, ask for approved plans and inspection records before walls close.

• Check access, egress and exterior logistics

  Ask the inspector about basement sleeping rooms, stairs, exits and smoke/CO protection. Confirm alley access, rear boundaries, waste storage and approvals needed for dumpsters or street occupation.

For each flagged issue, record the evidence you need, who can resolve it, and the effect on cost or timing.

• Obtain written quotes for the flagged scope

  Price engineering, permits, lead work, utilities, sewer, roof, shared walls and debris removal where relevant. Identify exclusions.

• Allow time and money for approvals and surprises

  State the holding period and contingency. Test delays and overruns. Exclude unconfirmed tax credits and unsupported revenue assumptions. Run the numbers through the Hard Money or Mortgage Calculator.

• Set the condition for moving forward

  Name the evidence needed before purchase, the next payment, wall closure or occupancy. Confirm contract deadlines with your adviser.

Priority issue and evidence needed

Who will resolve it and by when

Next unresolved issue and cost / schedule effect

Saved documents and photo references

Next move and conditions

This is a research checklist, not a City inspection form, title opinion, legal advice or certification of condition. Walkthrough checks are practical screening prompts. Verify property-specific requirements with the relevant agency and qualified professionals.

Legal and program references, checked October 1, 2026. Portal paths and requirements can change — use the agency homepage if a link moves.