Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Baltimore, MD?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Baltimore, MD, but they are strictly regulated. Baltimore City allows short-term rentals as defined by rentals of all or portions of a home for periods of less than 90 consecutive nights. Both hosted (owner-occupied) and un-hosted (non-owner occupied) units must be registered and licensed with the city.

Critical Prerequisites for All STRs:

• The property must be your principal residence
• The property must be deeded in your individual name (not a company)
• The property must be free of any code violations
• You may obtain a maximum of two STR licenses: one for your permanent residence and one for a secondary unit that meets grandfathering criteria

Baltimore operates under Ordinance 19-217 (Council Bill 18-0189), which established comprehensive requirements for short-term rentals, including mandatory licensing and registration systems.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Baltimore

Step 1: Eligibility Verification

Before proceeding with any applications, verify that your property meets the fundamental requirements:

1. Confirm Principal Residence Status: The property must be your primary residence where you live the majority of the year
2. Verify Individual Ownership: The deed must show you as an individual owner (not an LLC or corporation)
3. Clear Code Violations: Address any existing housing or zoning code violations
4. Check Zoning Compliance: Ensure your property is located in a zone that permits short-term rentals

Step 2: Obtain Required Identification and Tax Registration

• Maryland State Tax ID: Obtain this through the Maryland Tax Portal - this process can take up to two weeks
• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)

Step 3: Complete STR Registration and Licensing

1. Access Baltimore City's STR Portal: Visit dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/short-term-rentals-0
2. Create Account: Set up a new online account in the city's portal system
3. Submit Application: Complete the three-step registration process
4. Pay Fees: Submit the $200 non-refundable registration fee
5. Receive License: Wait for processing (typically a few days) to receive your unique license number

Step 4: Platform Compliance

1. Add License Number: Include your STR registration number in all listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
2. Display Information: Post registration number and emergency contact information within the unit
3. Tax Registration: Register with Baltimore Finance Department for Transient Occupancy Tax collection

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance Setup

• Guest Record Keeping: Maintain electronic records of guests for three years
• Tax Collection System: Set up procedures to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes
• Safety Compliance: Ensure smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety requirements are in place

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licenses and Registration

1. Short-Term Rental License (Primary Requirement)

• Cost: $200
• Validity: Two years
• Application: Through Baltimore City DHCD portal
• Requirements: Property must be principal residence, deeded individually, free of violations

2. Maryland State Tax ID

• Purpose: Required for tax collection and remittance
• Timeline: Up to two weeks for processing
• Application: Online through Maryland Tax Portal

3. Property Registration (If Non-Owner Occupied)

• Requirement: Annual registration for all non-owner-occupied properties
• Fee: Varies by property type
• Deadline: January through December annually

Supporting Documentation

Property Ownership Documents:

• Property deed showing individual ownership
• Property tax bills
• Mortgage statements (if applicable)

Identification:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of principal residence (driver's license, utility bills, tax returns)

Safety and Compliance:

• Third-party inspection reports (for rental properties)
• Lead certification information for each unit
• Smoke detector and fire extinguisher certifications

Business Documentation:

• Maryland State Tax ID confirmation
• Business bank account information
• Insurance policies (recommended)

Guidelines and Standards

Building and Safety Requirements:

• Working smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas
• Fire extinguishers on each floor
• Compliance with Baltimore City housing code
• No open code violations

Operational Standards:

• Maximum occupancy limits (typically 2 guests per bedroom)
• Noise ordinance compliance
• Parking restrictions
• Waste management compliance

Guest Management:

• 24/7 emergency contact availability
• Guest record retention for three years
• Compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations

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Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Baltimore City Regulations

Occupancy and Duration Limits:

• Rental periods must be less than 90 consecutive nights
• Maximum occupancy varies by property type and size
• No specific annual day limits for Baltimore City STRs

Property Limitations:

• Must be principal residence of the owner
• Maximum of two STR licenses per host
• Secondary unit must meet grandfathering criteria (established before 2019)
• Properties must be deeded to individuals, not companies

Operational Requirements:

• Owner or designated agent must be able to respond within 30 minutes
• Registration number must be displayed in listings and within units
• Emergency contact information must be prominently displayed
• Guest records must be maintained for three years

Prohibited Uses:

• Properties with active code violations
• Investment properties not meeting grandfathering criteria
• Company-owned properties
• Accessory Dwelling Units (in most cases)

Baltimore County Regulations

Current Status:

• Baltimore County currently treats STRs under general rental regulations
• No specific STR licensing program (as of 2023-2024)
• All rental properties require standard rental housing licenses

Proposed Regulations (Under Review): Based on county planning documents, potential future requirements include:

• $60 STR license fee with three-year renewal terms
• Guest limits: Up to 8 guests in single-family detached, 4 guests in attached/semi-detached
• Annual day limits: 120 days for un-hosted units, 180 days for hosted units
• Parking requirements: Minimum one space per two guests
• Response time requirements: 30-minute response, 60-minute onsite availability

Enforcement Mechanisms:

• Public nuisance ordinances (Bill 60-21) apply to unruly gatherings
• Code enforcement responds to verified complaints
• License suspension/revocation for violations

State of Maryland Regulations

Taxation Requirements:

• Transient Occupancy Tax: Hosts must collect and remit applicable taxes
• Sales Tax: May apply to certain services or fees
• Income Tax: STR income must be reported on state and federal tax returns

Business Registration:

• Maryland State Tax ID required for tax collection
• Potential sales tax registration requirements
• Compliance with Maryland Consumer Protection laws

Zoning and Land Use:

• STRs must comply with local zoning ordinances
• Accessory Dwelling Unit restrictions may apply
• Historic district requirements (if applicable)

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Contact Information for Local Authorities

Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)

Primary Contact:

• Website: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/short-term-rentals-0
• Phone: 311 (for general inquiries)
• Address: 417 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
• Email: Contact through 311 system or website portal

Specific Offices:

• Property Registration: Available through DHCD portal
• Rental Licensing: dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/pi/alarmproperty-registration
• Code Enforcement: 410-396-3025

Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals, and Inspections (PAI)

Primary Contact:

• Website: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov
• Phone: 410-887-3344
• Address: 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 200, Towson, MD 21204
• Email: Contact through county website

Specific Offices:

• Rental Housing Licenses: Contact PAI directly
• Code Enforcement: 410-887-3350

Maryland State Agencies

Maryland Tax Administration:

• Website: https://www.marylandtaxes.gov
• Phone: 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937)
• Registration Portal: Interactive Maryland Taxes

Maryland Consumer Protection:

• Phone: 410-528-8662
• Website: https://www.maryland.gov/agconsumer

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Links to Source Pages

Baltimore City Official Sources

• Baltimore City DHCD Short-Term Rentals: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/short-term-rentals-0
• Baltimore City Code Article 15, Subtitle 48: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/Art%2015%20-%20Licensing_0.pdf
• STR FAQ Document: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/sites/default/files/SHORT%20TERM%20RENTAL%20LICENSING%20REQUIREMENTS%20FAQs.pdf
• Property Registration Portal: https://baltimoremddhcd.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1080/record-types/6432

Baltimore County Sources

• County Planning Board STR Report: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/files/Documents/Planning/planningboard/2023%20Miscellaneous%20Documents/Short_Term_Rentals_Report_for_Resolution_No._1323_As_Approved_by_Planning_Board_11.16.2023.pdf
• Baltimore County Main Website: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Platform and Resource Links

• Airbnb Baltimore Guidelines: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2816
• Maryland Tax Registration: https://interactive.marylandtaxes.gov/business/bfile/osc/selectapp.aspx
• Maryland Tax Administration: https://www.marylandtaxes.gov

Inspection and Compliance Resources

• Baltimore City Registered Home Inspectors: https://cels.baltimorehousing.org/reg/RegHI_LicenseList.aspx
• Rental Property Search Tool: https://cels.baltimorehousing.org/reg/Reg_MFD_Search.aspx
• Baltimore City Code: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/

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This comprehensive guide provides all essential information for operating a compliant short-term rental in Baltimore, MD. Investors should regularly check the official city and county websites for updates to regulations, as this evolving legal landscape may see additional restrictions or requirements in the future.