| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | 15.5% total (9.5% city transient occupancy + 6% MD state sales) |
| Night / Day Cap | None; short-term defined as < 90 consecutive nights |
| Permit Fee | $100 |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes |
Short-term rentals in Baltimore, Maryland are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $100.
Short-term rental operators in Baltimore should be aware of these tax obligations: 15.5% total (9.5% city transient occupancy + 6% MD state sales).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Baltimore include: Primary residence requirement: Yes. Rental day cap: None; short-term defined as < 90 consecutive nights.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Baltimore but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Must be primary residence (≥180 days/year); property must be individually deeded (no LLCs). Hosted/owner-occupied STRs: new licenses accepted. Unhosted (non-owner-occupied) new licenses: FROZEN — not
Yes. Baltimore requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Baltimore are subject to the following tax obligations: 15.5% total (9.5% city transient occupancy + 6% MD state sales).
$200/2yr = ~$100/yr equivalent. Unhosted STR new licenses frozen. Ordinance 19-217, effective December 31, 2019.
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