There is a wide range of accommodation in Baltimore, giving new arrivals moving to the city some room to manoeuvre when it comes to finding the right home at the right price. That said, more people working in Washington, DC, choose to base themselves in Baltimore and commute via the MARC Penn Line train rather than fork out the extortionate rental rates in the capital, which has had a knock-on effect on Baltimore’s property market – particularly in neighbourhoods near Penn Station.
Neighbourhoods in Baltimore
With more than 250 neighbourhoods in Baltimore, there’s a neighbourhood to suit new arrivals from all walks. The city is divided into 14 council districts, each with a distinct feel, although locals tend to refer to cardinal directions – North Baltimore, West Baltimore – or specific neighbourhood names when describing where they live.
Young professionals and single arrivals looking for a trendy neighbourhood should look no further than Hampden. This artsy suburb boasts a community feel while playing host to some of Baltimore’s best events and festivals. Other popular areas for young arrivals include Fell’s Point and Federal Hill. Families and young professionals looking for water views, easy access to amenities and a tight-knit community will love Canton. This area is known for its walkability and fantastic seafood.
Families moving to Baltimore are well catered for, thanks to the availability of a wide range of neighbourhoods in Downtown Baltimore and further out of the city. Those who would like to live in a central area while having access to picturesque single-family Victorian homes will find that Mount Vernon meets many of their needs. The neighbourhood has many cultural offerings and is also home to the best arts high school in Baltimore.
New arrivals with room in their budgets should consider Ellicott City. This suburb regularly features in best places to live rankings for the Baltimore area and has a large number of both public and private schools. Homes in this suburb are fairly pricey but tend to be spacious Colonial-style houses with multiple bedrooms and generous yards. The only downside to Ellicott City is its location outside Baltimore City proper, which means new arrivals will have to commute into the city centre.
See Areas and Suburbs in Baltimore for detailed information on the city’s neighbourhoods.
Types of accommodation in Baltimore
The type of accommodation new arrivals choose depends on where they intend to live in Baltimore, among other personal preferences. Apartments and condos tend to be most suitable for young professionals and small families who wish to live close to the centre of town. Properties in the suburbs are generally more spacious than in the city centre.
Rowhouses
Rowhouses can be found in almost all suburbs of Baltimore, but their appearance and set-up can vary quite dramatically. Generally, these are two- or three-storey houses that share side walls. Many older rowhouses sport Baltimore’s signature Formstone cladding – a faux stone veneer that became wildly popular in the mid-20th century.
Older rowhouses tend to have little to no outdoor space, while modern rowhouses – most often found in suburbs further afield – tend to come with small gardens and a front veranda.
Apartments
Apartment living is commonplace in Baltimore, and apartment sizes vary greatly. Some apartments are located in older historic buildings with no modern features, while modern complexes often include additional facilities such as security services and communal spaces.
Condos
Condos are similar to apartments, but the communal facilities on offer tend to be more extensive. Generally, complexes come equipped with shared facilities such as gardens, swimming pools, fitness centres and laundry facilities. A major advantage of condo living as opposed to living in an apartment or an individual family home is the noticeable sense of community in these complexes.
Finding accommodation in Baltimore
While finding accommodation in Baltimore tends to be easier compared to nearby Washington, DC, it is still wise to start the property search as soon as possible. Online property portals are an excellent starting point as they allow prospective tenants to get an idea of the types of properties available in different parts of the city, and how much to budget.
Local real estate agents are a great source of information. They can assist those unfamiliar with the different areas and suburbs of Baltimore in finding a suitable home that matches their requirements. In Baltimore, the landlord typically pays the agent’s commission for rentals, so there is no cost to the tenant.
Some new arrivals will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess preferences and shortlist properties to view. Expat social media groups are also a handy platform for those looking for accommodation in Baltimore.
Useful links
Renting accommodation in Baltimore
Baltimore is not as densely populated as nearby Philadelphia or Washington, DC, so demand for rental property tends to be lower, which means that finding a suitable rental in the city shouldn’t be too difficult for newcomers.
Making an application
Potential tenants looking to rent a property in Baltimore will need to file an application either via an agent or by dealing directly with the landlord. Once the relevant checks have been done and references are verified, the landlord and tenant will sign a lease agreement. Having a US bank account and a Social Security number set up will speed up the process.
For any property built before 1978, Maryland law requires landlords to provide a lead paint inspection certificate and relevant educational materials before the lease is signed. This is worth paying attention to, as many of Baltimore’s older rowhouses fall into this category.
Leases
As is the case throughout much of the US, a rental contract in Baltimore is usually valid for a year with the option to renew once the term is over. In some cases, tenants can negotiate a shorter lease, especially in quieter months when demand for rental properties is lower.
Deposits
When signing a lease agreement, tenants are required to put down a security deposit, usually equal to one months' rent. This is refundable once the lease has come to an end. It’s important to make sure a detailed inventory is carried out at the beginning and end of a rental period, as any damages will be deducted from the deposit.
New arrivals should ensure their rental apartment is registered with the City of Baltimore – you can verify a property’s registration and licensing status online through the Department of Housing. The city will ensure that the rental property is habitable and that tenants’ rights are protected.
Terminating the lease
In Baltimore City, tenants on a lease of one year or less must give at least 30 days’ written notice before the end of the rental period. Landlords are required to give 60 days’ written notice. Tenants must also provide 72 hours’ notice before physically vacating the property. If a tenant breaks a lease early without legal justification, the landlord is required under Maryland law to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit, which can reduce the amount the departing tenant owes.
Read Accommodation in the USA to learn more about the national rental market and processes.
Useful links
- Maryland People’s Law Library: Baltimore City Rental and Housing Laws
- Baltimore City: Property Registration and Rental Licensing
Utilities in Baltimore
Potential renters should check the terms and conditions of the lease carefully to determine which utilities are included. In some cases, landlords cover the costs of standard utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. Tenants are usually expected to pay for extras such as internet, cable TV, and telephone services.
Electricity and gas
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) supplies the electricity and gas in Baltimore City. To start a service, new arrivals should contact BGE online, via the company’s app or by telephone at least three days before their intended moving date. Newcomers will need to provide their identity documentation, the address where they’d like to start service, and their Social Security number. Those who are starting a service may have to pay a security deposit.
Water
The drinking Water in Baltimore comes from the Gunpowder Falls, the North Branch Patapsco River and the Susquehanna River and the supply is managed by the Baltimore City Public Works Department. For new arrivals who will be renting property, the water bill will remain in the owner’s name, but property owners may add their name as an additional bill recipient. Otherwise, they must make payment arrangements with their landlords.
Property owners can start a new service by contacting the Baltimore City Public Works Department online and filling out the appropriate customer service form. New arrivals will likely have to pay a fee to have a new meter installed. Utility bills are generally paid monthly via direct debit, credit card, or deposit.
It is worth double-checking meter readings against your bill, as Baltimore City water bills have a reputation for billing errors and unexpectedly high charges – a frequent gripe on local forums.
Bins and recycling
The Baltimore City Public Works Department oversees waste management and recycling in Baltimore. Waste is collected weekly, and Baltimore City provides an interactive map for residents to determine their rubbish collection day. Baltimore City provides municipal trash cans to residents, and using a sturdy bin with a tight-fitting lid is strongly encouraged – the city has strict rules on this front, largely to combat rodent activity.
Baltimore does not require residents to separate recyclable waste and allows new arrivals to use any type of rubbish bin or laundry bag to dispose of recyclable waste. The use of plastic bags for disposing of recyclable waste is strictly forbidden.
For bulk waste items, Baltimore City residents can arrange collection of up to three large items per month by scheduling a pickup through 311 at least four business days in advance. Alternatively, waste can be taken to a residential drop-off centre at no cost.