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Is Airbnb legal in Baltimore, Maryland?

Legal with a city license, unhosted units face zoning checks. Baltimore City licenses short-term rentals at $200 per dwelling unit every two years through its rental registration system. Non-owner-occupied units can be licensed, but new unhosted rentals are restricted or banned in some residential areas, so confirm zoning eligibility with the city before buying. Maryland adds a 6% sales tax on top.

Showing the researched rules for Baltimore, MD below. Type your Baltimore address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal with a city license, unhosted units face zoning checks

Baltimore City licenses short-term rentals at $200 per dwelling unit every two years through its rental registration system. Non-owner-occupied units can be licensed, but new unhosted rentals are restricted or banned in some residential areas, so confirm zoning eligibility with the city before buying. Maryland adds a 6% sales tax on top.

Permit and costs

Permit
Short-Term Rental License
Issued by
Baltimore City Dept of Housing and Community Development
Cost
$200 / 2 years per unit
Renewal
Every two years

Key limits

License
$200 per unit, two-year term
Unhosted units
restricted in some residential zones; verify zoning
Inspection
city inspection required before licensing
State registration
free Maryland sales and use tax license required

Taxes

MD sales tax
6%
Local hotel tax
rate varies by jurisdiction

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Check zoning eligibility
    Ask the city whether an unhosted STR is allowed at the address before signing a purchase.
  2. 2
    Register for MD sales tax
    Get a free sales and use tax license from the Maryland Comptroller.
  3. 3
    Apply and pass inspection
    Apply through the city's Short-Term Rental Registration Portal and complete the required inspection.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
HOA covenants can prohibit STRs even where the city allows them.
2024 fee overhaul
The city raised STR fees sharply in February 2024; older guides quoting $150 to $250 are out of date.

Sources

BNBCalc Baltimore guide · BNBCalc Maryland guide

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.