Livability Code

Chapter 162 of the Harford County Code, otherwise known as the Harford County Livability Code, is intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare in rental housing units and premises. As required by State statute, the first Livability Code in Harford County, Maryland was enacted in 1988. Chapter 162 of the Harford County Code establishes minimum livability standards for rental units by; 

1. Establishing minimum property maintenance standards for basic equipment and facilities used for light, ventilation, heating and sanitation for rental housing units and premises and for safe and sanitary maintenance of rental housing units and premises; 

2. Establishing minimum requirements for rental housing units and premises for means of egress, fire protection systems and other equipment and devices necessary for safety from fire; 

3. Fixing the responsibilities of property owners, operators and tenants of rental housing units and premises; and 

4.Providing for administration, enforcement, and penalties. 


Exempted from the provisions of Chapter 162 are; 

  1. 1. Owner-occupied single-family housing units. 

  1. 2. Housing exempted by the department. 

  1. 3. Structures for which the tenants do not pay rent. 

  1. 4. A structure or housing unit provided to a tenant by the tenant's employer as part of the tenant's compensation. 


In 2024, the County Code was modified to place enforcement and administration of Chapter 162 within the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits.