Rental License requires "HOME" address??

Question

For those of you in Maryland...specifically Baltimore, I'm slightly confused.

Recently, I renewed my rental license for a couple of my properties. On Page 2, Section 5, it's titled "Legal Agent" and it requires that the Legal Agent's home address be put down. Last time they didn't seem to catch/mind that I had my out-of-state (Nevada) Registered Agent put down.

But this time they minded. So I was going to just give my business address for now until I get an in-state Registered Agent. My LLC is registered in MD. But the lady asked if it was my home address and I said no. She said she can't take my business address then. I said I do not want my home address on file.

Why do they require this? And is a "legal agent" the same as a "registered/resident agent"?

Only solution I can think of is to go ahead and set up a new registered agent with someone here in MD and give that address. But if it's an obvious business address such as of an attorney's office, how can I make them just take it? What would be the point of having a registered agent and of trying to have privacy of my personal home address if B'more is forcing me to give such info on a rental license?

Here's the form: (see page 2, section 5)

http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Permits/rental_registration/rentalhousingapp.pdf

Nicole A. · Answer

oops, yes, I meant Baltimore County. Thank you for clarifying.I was thinking along the same lines as you regarding how they can legally require this. I also have a UPS box as my business address (also in Columbia, but at Columbia Palace Plaza) that I've used in the past with no problems.Tomorrow I'll ask my attorney what he thinks.

Ned Carey · Answer

I checked the link and saw it is Baltimore County not City. Wow that is really stupid. They want a home address instead of a work address where you will be able to accept service? Most people aren't home during the day when a process server would show up or the mail comes.

For Baltimore City I use a UPS store box for my address. (In fact it is in Columbia, Kings Contrivance) I just registered 12 properties today. They don't know it is not a home address.

No the "Agent" does not have to necessarily be the "Resident Agent" for an LLC or Corporation. They just want somebody they can contact when there is a problem, violation, but mainly so they have someone to serve.

I am surprised the State doesn't require the resident agent to be from MD. I wonder if the county can actually legally require the home address.  I wonder if you could claim improper service because they served the designated agent on the form instead of the agent prescribed in state law.