Baltimore City Local Guide

Your Guide to Settling In

View Your Guide to Settling Into Baltimore City (PDF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)A helpful, print friendly checklist for your move by LizyTylerCo · www.lizytylerco.com

• Request USPS mail forwarding and confirm the start date.
• Update important accounts and contacts, including banks, insurers, your employer and relevant agencies.
• Update applicable Maryland license or ID and vehicle addresses. Arriving from another state? Follow the new resident process.
• If eligible, register or update your voter address and confirm the change.
• Arrange applicable utility transfers, verify water billing with the owner or DPW, and check internet availability at your address.
• Confirm city or private trash arrangements. Save your collection days through DPW or 311 and check the city holiday calendar.
• Join BMORE Alert or update your existing profile with your new address and preferred contact methods.

Use the steps that apply to your move. Confirm the property’s jurisdiction, provider coverage and landlord or community arrangements with official sources.

Settling in sources reviewed 10/17/2026

Find the Right Office

Confirm that the actual property is inside Baltimore City, not Baltimore County. A Baltimore postal address does not establish the jurisdiction. City property taxes, permits, collection services and public libraries are separate from county services.

For building work, begin with Baltimore City’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Use the Department of Public Works for city water and solid waste questions. For an ordinary city service request or help finding collection information, contact 311.

• City permits and building inspections
• City E-Permits customer guide
• City Department of Public Works

Set Up Utilities and Care for Septic Systems

Confirm electric and any natural gas service at your exact address through BGE’s start, move or stop service process. Renters should ask the property manager which utilities are separately metered and which accounts are included in the lease.

Use the city water account lookup to review the correct service address and account. Baltimore City Department of Public Works manages the city water billing relationship. Confirm transfer or billing arrangements with DPW and the property owner rather than opening an unrelated county account.

Verify the property’s actual water and sewer connections through its records. Do not assume that private well and septic instructions for rural Baltimore County apply to a city home. If a record identifies an unusual private system, ask city staff which environmental approvals and maintenance requirements govern it.

Internet Access

Search your address on the FCC National Broadband Map and verify that the provider can actually install service at the unit. Confirm equipment, installation timing and the full monthly price before choosing a plan.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library provides public computers, WiFi and learning programs at city locations. Branch services vary. This is Baltimore City’s library system, distinct from Baltimore County Public Library.

Recycling and Household Waste

Confirm your property’s collection days with Baltimore City Department of Public Works or 311. The city public works calendar provides holiday and special collection information. Do not follow Baltimore County’s calendar or holiday rules for a city address.

Ask your landlord or property manager whether trash is collected by the city or privately. Save the correct curb or alley setout location and review current recycling rules. Before a drop off trip or disposal of bulky items, electronics or household hazardous waste, confirm the applicable facility, accepted materials and appointment requirements.

Find Property Records and Tax Bills

Choose Baltimore City in SDAT Real Property Data Search. Keep the block and lot identifiers with your ownership and assessment records. Do not select Baltimore County for a city property.

Use the city real property tax lookup for the applicable fiscal year. Special benefit district surcharges and part year bills have separate links, so review the account carefully. If a mortgage company pays through escrow, compare its record with the city bill.

For deeds and other recorded documents, consult the Maryland Courts land records guide. Assessment records are not a substitute for title, ground rent, boundary or easement research when those issues affect the property.

Find Tax Information and Relief

Maryland’s Homestead Property Tax Credit limits qualifying increases in taxable assessment on an eligible principal residence. Check your application status rather than assuming the previous owner’s approval transfers to you.

The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit is a separate income based program with an annual application. Review current eligibility and deadlines directly with SDAT, and ask the city about any additional local relief. A pending application does not automatically reduce the amount due.

Plan a Renovation

Before ordering materials, write down the full scope and confirm zoning, permit and inspection requirements with DHCD. Include exterior changes, structural work, new systems and any proposed change in occupancy. Ask about historic status early, especially for an older rowhouse.

Exterior work on properties within local historic districts and on designated landmarks needs Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation review. CHAP’s Authorization to Proceed guidance says approval must precede the building permit and advises against buying materials or starting work before approval. Check any private association approvals separately.

Put your goals, priorities, questions and next steps in one place.View Home Project Planning Sheet (PDF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)To keep completed entries, save a copy with your changes using the PDF viewer’s controls.

Understand Permits and Inspections

A contractor’s license does not replace a permit. Ask DHCD which permits apply to the full project and which inspections must happen before work is covered. Agree in writing on who will submit applications and arrange inspections.

Use the city E-Permits customer guide for current instructions on searches, permit status, documents and inspection scheduling. Retain final approvals. Baltimore County’s permit system does not cover a Baltimore City property.

• City permit starting point

Repair and Housing Assistance

Baltimore City’s LIGHT intake and assessment program connects residents with housing and energy related assistance. Ask about current eligibility, approved work, required owner participation and available funding before signing a repair contract or spending money.

Start with the city LIGHT program or the Maryland DHCD local program directory, which lists Baltimore City contacts separately from Baltimore County. The city home repair resource sheet offers additional starting points. Confirm current terms because an assistance program may be a loan rather than a grant.

Check a Contractor

For home improvement work, check the business and license through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Match the licensed name to the contract, request insurance information and references, and confirm separately any required trade license.

Get a written scope, payment schedule and responsibility for permits and inspections before authorizing work. Keep changes in writing. A license check does not establish that a particular design or property alteration is approved.

Keep useful questions and conversation notes together as you compare your options.View Questions Before Hiring a Contractor (PDF) ↗ (opens in a new tab)