Renting a Basement in Baltimore

[Kenneth Cheston]

Okay BPers - I'm back yet again to pester you with obvious questions, but not so obvious to me since I've called the entire Baltimore City Government and no one seems to know how to use a phone (Called at least 10 numbers - maybe it's a snowday?).

So for those who may be following my journey via Forum Posts, I had a home inspection on the Remington rowhome and the roof was poorly redone and may be a deal killer. Regardless, my strategy was to live in the basement and rent out the bedrooms on the 2nd floor. While this is all good and fun, I understand that there is some criteria to meet when I eventually move out and have to apply for a rental license. What I have gathered through 3rd parties is that if a basement does not have access to the outside then the windows in the bedroom are considered to be the 2nd means of egress. One of the windows has to be at least 24"H x 20"W in dimension and the bottom of the sill cannot exceed 44" from the floor. I'm looking for solid answers on this or may be a good source to look for this bit. The IBC doesn't seem to mention it.

Thanks in advance for whatever tips you have to offer!

[Stephen Kehoe]

Hey Kenneth,

If you get a market tenant they will likely consider it a bedroom and pay you accordingly. 

If you get a section 8 tenant the authority will need a closet and outlets as well as the egress you mentioned. If they are picky they can have a privacy requirement too. For example if you have to pass through the bedroom to get to another room that may be an issue.