Can a landlord renovate their own rentals without an MHIC license?
Short answer. Generally yes, for work they do themselves on property they own. They still need permits and code compliance, trade licenses for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, and anyone they hire needs an MHIC license.
Work it through
You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.
A landlord who owns 15 rental properties asks if he can do his own renovations without an MHIC license since they're his own properties.
"I'm not doing work for other people — these are MY houses."
- Correct
Property owners can generally perform home improvement work on their own residential property without an MHIC license. However, this exemption has limits: they still need building permits, must comply with building codes, and specialized work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) requires appropriate trade licenses regardless of ownership. Also, if they hire someone to do the work, THAT person needs an MHIC license.
- Partially wrong
The owner exemption applies to work on one's own property regardless of how many properties they own. The MHIC license is required when performing home improvement work on someone ELSE's property for compensation. However, if the landlord is hiring contractors to do the work, those contractors need MHIC licenses.
All 8 who needs an mhic license questions
- What counts as home improvement under Maryland law?
- Does a handyman need an MHIC license in Maryland?
- Can a landlord renovate their own rentals without an MHIC license?
- Does an MHIC license cover commercial renovation work?
- Does an MHIC license cover building an in-ground pool?
- Is installing a TV antenna home improvement in Maryland?
- How do you explain the risk of an unlicensed contractor to a homeowner?
- Do out-of-state storm chasers need a Maryland MHIC license?