Maryland - Transfer of Accessory Dwelling License Question

[Daniel Chao]

I'm purchasing a home in Montgomery County, Maryland with a licensed accessory dwelling.  The license was obtained with an exception so the two gov't agencies I'm dealing with (MD Landlord/Tenant, Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings) are bouncing me between them, saying that the other is responsible for getting this licensed to me.  Has anyone dealt with this sitaution?  

Goal:

- I'd like the accessory dwelling license under my name at the time of settlement

Concern:

- Does a chance in ownership necessitate a re-licensing (~9 month long process), or are next steps to truly just a pay $40 and get a license renewal?

- There is a current tenant and I am taking assignment of the lease at settlement.  If this license isn't transferred to me in time, do I have any potential liability for leasing out with a license that isn't explicitly under my name? While I'm getting re-licensed?

- People I've been talking to have tried to logic me into comfort with the situation by saying the license is with the building, not a person.  That doesn't seem to be the case given i) the license was issued to a person; and ii) MD LL/Tenant is saying I need the license issued to my name

I'm being told:

1) I need to pay for a license renewal (~$40 for the year) to MD LL/Tenant

2) MD LL/Tenant says OZAH needs to see if the exception necessitates a re-licensing period due to chagne of ownership.  OZAH says MD LL/Tenant needs to see if I need to get relicensed.  There doesn't seem to be an end to them bouncing me between agencies.