Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Baltimore, MD

Airbnb listings are allowed in Baltimore, MD, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (under 90 nights) are generally restricted to the host's permanent residence, where the owner resides at least 180 days per year. New licenses are only issued for 'hosted' units (owner present); 'unhosted' licenses are limited to renewals of existing permits with no new applications accepted. Hosts must display license numbers on all listings and provide an emergency contact located within 15 miles of the property. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (under 90 nights) are generally restricted to the host's permanent residence, where the owner resides at least 180 days per year. New licenses are only issued for 'hosted' units (owner present); 'unhosted' licenses are limited to renewals of existing permits with no new applications accepted. Hosts must display license numbers on all listings and provide an emergency contact located within 15 miles of the property.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Baltimore. 1) Create an account and submit an online application via the Baltimore DHCD STR portal. 2) Provide documentation including proof of permanent residence (driver’s license or voter registration), proof the property is deeded to an individual, and a State Sales & Use Tax number. 3) Pay the $200 biennial license fee; licenses must be renewed every two years at least 30 days before expiry.

1) Create an account and submit an online application via the Baltimore DHCD STR portal. 2) Provide documentation including proof of permanent residence (driver’s license or voter registration), proof the property is deeded to an individual, and a State Sales & Use Tax number. 3) Pay the $200 biennial license fee; licenses must be renewed every two years at least 30 days before expiry.

Vrbo is permitted in Baltimore, MD under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Baltimore are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Baltimore. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.