Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Baltimore, MD (2026)
Short-term rental rules, registration requirements, and penalties for Baltimore, MD. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Short-term rental rules in Baltimore, MD are not confirmed — see the official source before hosting.
Whether Baltimore, MD permits short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local planning department at (410) 396-7526 to verify current STR rules — including whether hosting is permitted at all, registration requirements, and any local restrictions — before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform.
Statewide Preemption
Short-Term Rental Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide STR preemption statute for Maryland.
View Maryland preemption detailsRegistration Requirements
Whether short-term rental registration is required in Baltimore has not been confirmed from official sources. Contact the local planning department or local building department to verify current registration requirements before hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.
Operational Rules
No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Baltimore beyond standard property codes.
- Short-term residential rental license required from Baltimore City
- Property must pass inspection before license issuance
- Owner or designee must be available for emergencies 24/7
- Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom
- Smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, and emergency egress required
- Maryland state sales tax and Baltimore City hotel rental tax apply
- Platforms collect and remit applicable taxes
Penalties for Violations
Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Baltimore are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.
- $500–$1,000 per day for operating without license
- License revocation for repeat violations or code violations
- Baltimore City housing code enforcement action for nuisance properties
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Airbnb in Baltimore?
Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Baltimore, MD with registration required.
Do I need to register to host on Airbnb in Baltimore?
Yes, Baltimore requires Short-Term Residential Rental License for short-term rental hosts.
Source: Baltimore City Code — Short-Term Residential Rental Licensing. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source