Baltimore & Surrounding Area Property Management

How much does property management cost in Baltimore?

Our Standard plan is 10% of gross rent for one unit, 9% for two units signed together, and 8% for three or more — Baltimore City. Baltimore County is a flat 8% no matter the unit count. Premium plans add 2%. No hidden fees, ever — the full schedule is published on our fee page.

What is the onboarding/setup fee?

$300 per unit standard. It's waived entirely if the unit is vacant, $150/unit for 3+ properties, and $50/unit for 25+ units.

Is there really a 60-day rental guarantee?

Yes. If we don't have your vacant property rented in 60 days, the guarantee terms on your agreement kick in. Ask us about the details on your intro call — we put it in writing.

Do you charge a leasing fee?

Tenant placement is 100% of the first month's rent. That covers marketing, showings, screening, and lease signing. Lease renewals are $60.

What is the contingency reserve?

$500 per unit, held as a refundable reserve so we can handle urgent repairs without chasing you for funds first. It's your money — refunded per your agreement terms.

Do you manage properties in Baltimore County too?

Yes — we serve Baltimore City, surrounding counties, and Charlotte, NC. County pricing is a flat 8% Standard / 10% Premium, and our First Month Free promo applies to Baltimore County properties.

What neighborhoods do you cover?

Fells Point, Canton, Federal Hill, Mt. Vernon, Roland Park, Hampden, and across Baltimore County including Towson, Owings Mills, Parkville, Dundalk, Essex, and Catonsville.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes — our satisfaction guarantee means you're never locked in. The agreement spells out the notice terms.

Leasing & Tenants

How do you find tenants?

Professional photos, syndicated listings across the major rental sites, prompt showing scheduling, and same-day response to inquiries. Vacancy costs you money — we treat every vacant day like it's our own.

How do you screen tenants?

Every adult applicant goes through credit, criminal, eviction-history, employment, and income verification. Screening is $150 per adult applicant.

What credit score do you require?

We look at the full picture — credit history, income stability (typically 3x rent), rental history, and background. There's no single magic number; our screening standards are applied consistently and fairly to every applicant.

Do you allow pets?

Pet policy is set with you, the owner. We enforce whatever policy your lease states and collect pet deposits/fees accordingly.

How fast do you respond to showing requests?

Same day. Most showings are scheduled within 24 hours of the inquiry.

Do you handle Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers?

Yes — including inspections, paperwork, and ongoing compliance.

What happens at move-in?

A documented move-in orientation ($200) with a full condition report and photos, so move-out comparisons are airtight.

Who holds the security deposit?

We hold it in compliance with Maryland law and return it within 45 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions.

Rent Collection

When do I get my rent?

Owner distributions go out monthly, after rent is collected and any approved expenses are paid. You'll see every line item on your owner statement.

What if a tenant pays late?

Baltimore City leases include a 15-day grace period; after that a 5% late fee applies per Maryland law. We pursue late rent immediately — notices go out on schedule, every time.

What is your eviction process in Baltimore?

Maryland's process: a 10-day notice to the tenant, then a Failure to Pay Rent filing in District Court, then — if the court rules in our favor — a Writ of Restitution carried out by the sheriff. We handle every step and keep you updated.

What is your eviction rate?

Ask us for our current numbers on your intro call — we track filings, judgments, and actual evictions and report them honestly.

Do you offer rent-guarantee insurance?

Yes — ask about our rent-guarantee options. It's part of the guarantee stack most managers don't offer.

Can I see my statements online?

Yes — owners get 24/7 portal access to statements, leases, maintenance records, and inspections.

Maintenance

How do you handle maintenance requests?

Tenants submit requests through the portal; emergencies get immediate dispatch. We coordinate licensed, insured vendors and you approve work above your set spending threshold.

Is there a markup on repairs?

A 10% repair coordination surcharge applies. Every invoice is visible on your owner statement — no mystery charges.

Do you do preventative maintenance?

Yes — seasonal checks (HVAC filters, gutters, smoke/CO detectors) that protect your asset and prevent the $5,000 surprise.

Who handles emergencies at 2 AM?

We do. Burst pipes, no heat in January, lockouts — our emergency line routes to a live response, not voicemail.

Can I use my own contractors?

You can, provided they're licensed and insured. Most owners let us use our vetted vendor network because it's faster.

Do you handle turnovers between tenants?

Full turnover management: inspection, cleaning, repairs, re-keying, photos, and re-listing — priced per scope, approved by you first.

Baltimore Legal Must-Knows

Does my Baltimore rental need a license?

Yes — Baltimore City requires a Rental Dwelling License for non-owner-occupied units, and Baltimore County has its own rental registration requirements. We track renewals so you never lapse.

What are Maryland's lead paint requirements?

Pre-1978 rentals must be registered with Maryland's lead program and meet Risk Reduction Standards at every turnover. We manage registration, inspections, and compliance documentation.

Is there rent control in Baltimore?

No — neither Baltimore City nor Baltimore County has rent control. You set the rent; we advise on market positioning.

How much notice is required to end a tenancy in Maryland?

For month-to-month tenancies, generally 60 days' written notice from the landlord (30 days from the tenant) in Baltimore City — longer than the state baseline. Fixed-term leases end per their own terms.

What disclosures does Maryland require in a lease?

Lead-based paint disclosures for pre-1978 properties, security deposit receipt terms, and other state-required notices — all built into our lease packages ($300 lease generation).

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs?

Maryland allows rent escrow through the District Court when serious defects go unrepaired after proper notice. Our maintenance system is built to resolve issues long before it reaches that point.

What happens if my property fails a rental inspection?

We coordinate the corrections with licensed vendors, schedule re-inspection, and document everything. Most failures are minor and fixed within days.

Do you handle HOA/condo compliance?

Yes — we work within HOA rules, handle violation notices, and coordinate with associations on your behalf.

Why PropertyWize

What makes PropertyWize different from big-box managers?

We're a Baltimore-born team, not a call center. You get named people with direct extensions, published exact-fee pricing, and a guarantee stack (60-day rental guarantee, satisfaction guarantee, rent-guarantee insurance) that most managers won't put in writing.

How many doors do you manage?

226 and growing — on our way to 500. Big enough for systems, small enough that your property isn't a number.

Who will I actually talk to?

A dedicated team with names and direct extensions — no ticket black hole. You'll meet them on your 15-minute intro meeting before you sign anything.

How do I get started?

Book a free 15-minute intro meeting or request a free rental analysis. We'll run your numbers, walk the property if needed, and give you a straight answer — including telling you if we're not the right fit.