Short-Term Rental Regulations — Maryland
Hosts in Baltimore must obtain a permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The permit fee is $200, renewable Every 2 years. Baltimore restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties only, meaning you must live in the home you are renting out. There is no annual day cap on rentals in Baltimore. An occupancy tax of 9.5% applies to all short-term rental income. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically.
Day Limit Notes
Grandfathered non-owner occupied units were allowed if registered before the cut-off.
⚠ Tax Notes
9.5% City Transient Occupancy Tax plus 6% State Sales Tax.
⚠ Prohibited Zones
Non-owner occupied properties are prohibited unless grandfathered.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Baltimore?
Yes. Baltimore requires a permit to operate a short-term rental. The permit fee is $200 and must be renewed Every 2 years. You must obtain this permit before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms.
What is the occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Baltimore?
Short-term rentals in Baltimore are subject to a 9.5% occupancy tax. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts — you do not need to handle it separately. 9.5% City Transient Occupancy Tax plus 6% State Sales Tax.
Can I rent out a property I don't live in as an Airbnb in Baltimore?
No. Baltimore restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties. You must live in the home as your primary residence to list it as a short-term rental. Investment properties or second homes cannot be listed as STRs.
How many days per year can I rent my property in Baltimore?
Baltimore does not impose an annual day cap on short-term rentals. You can rent your property for as many days as you choose, subject to other local regulations. Grandfathered non-owner occupied units were allowed if registered before the cut-off.
Does Airbnb collect occupancy taxes in Baltimore?
Yes. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit the 9.5% occupancy tax in Baltimore on behalf of hosts. You do not need to separately collect or remit this tax — it is handled at the platform level.
Are there any prohibited zones for short-term rentals in Baltimore?
Yes. Baltimore prohibits short-term rentals in certain areas: Non-owner occupied properties are prohibited unless grandfathered.. Always verify your property's zoning status with the local planning department before listing.
Do I need to register my short-term rental in Baltimore?
Yes. Baltimore requires short-term rental hosts to register their property with the city. This is separate from any permit requirement and typically involves providing property information and contact details to the local authority.
Official Source
Baltimore City Government
Last verified: 2026-03-23 · Always confirm with your local government before listing.