Rental Housing Program 

A City of Bowie Rental License is required for all rental situations including those where the owner or a family member lives at the property. These include:

• Short-term rentals like Airbnb™, HomeAway®, VRBO®, etc.
• Basement rentals
• Partial home or In-law suites
• Group homes, assisted living and congregate living
• Single family homes, townhouses, condos

Download the Rental License Application.

***Virtual inspections available upon request***
View virtual inspection procedures

Rental License Fees 

Annual rental license fees are as follows: 

• $110 for all types listed above 
• $60 per apartment in established complexes
• Application fee - $50 (This fee is waived on renewals if the application is submitted before the license expires.)

Issuing a Rental License 

Upon receipt of a Rental License Application and the associated  fees above, a "Temporary Certificate" will be issued and an inspection date scheduled. If the property complies with the Bowie City Code, the rental license will be issued. 

Properties with violations will be allowed time to make repairs and pass a second inspection. A rental license will not be issued until a satisfactory inspection is completed.

Property owners and tenants are provided with a report of any violations noted and the owner is afforded an opportunity to make corrections. A re-inspection will be conducted to confirm compliance. A $50 fee may be charged for additional inspections. Failure to comply with the City Code may result in the issuance of civil fines, revocation of the rental license and court ordered abatement and injunctions. 

Inspections 

Rental inspections are conducted yearly to ensure compliance with the Bowie City Code. Inspections are scheduled Monday thru Friday, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and take approximately 30 minutes to complete. View our Virtual Inspection process.

This video provides an idea of what to expect during your inspection.