Baltimore City vs. Baltimore County

[Nicole A.]

Hey guys. I did a search for this, but didn't see a whole lot.

Currently I'm only investing in Baltimore County. I prefer multi-units.

But it's more difficult to find plenty of multi-unit options in the County while there are quite a few in the City.

I understand that the eviction process has a couple more hoops for the landlord to jump through in the City rather than the County. What's your experience?

Second, I hear property taxes are higher in the City.

Third, what's going on with the water bills in the City? Every time I look up a water bill of a City property that looks interesting, it has much higher bills than I've ever received for my County properties.

Hearing your experiences would be helpful. Thank you!

[Robert Carl]

Eviction Process-Have to wait two weeks instead of one to call sheriff to schedule eviction. Once sheriff is contacted it still may be another 3 weeks before eviction is schedule due to high volume of evictions.

Rent Escrow for code violations- The city allows tenants to open rent escrow without paying rent owed. In the county rent owed has to be paid first before a tenant can open rent escrow. Many tenants use this as a delay tactic due to not having to pay anything except the $23 fee to open one. This allows them at least 30 days before another court date can be schedule for failure to pay rent.

Property Taxes- The rate is almost double vs. Baltimore county. The rate is the highest in the state. The rate not the amount of taxes.

Water Bill- lowest usage bill is about $98 every 3 months. Increase passed by mayor in July. Increase proposed for the next two years of 9% for each year.

You can make a good profit in Baltimore city. You have to be tough! The houses are cheaper but for a reason. Its hard to get tenants that qualify for a good critera. There are alot of bad applicants. ALOT! Crime is high and city services are poor for removing debris, trash, taken care of abandon property, and city lots.