Short Term Rental Permit Baltimore

When you're thinking about renting out your home in short term rental permit Baltimore, a local government requirement that allows homeowners to rent properties for less than 30 days. Also known as Airbnb permit, it's not optional if you're listing on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo in the city limits. Without it, you risk fines up to $1,000 per day and being forced to take down your listing. This isn't just about paperwork—it’s about understanding who controls the rules, what counts as a short term rental, and how the city tracks compliance.

The city treats short term rentals as a separate category from long term leases. If you rent for 30 days or less, you need to register with the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development, the government body that issues and enforces short term rental permits in the city. You’ll need proof of ownership, a valid business license, and proof of liability insurance. The permit costs $100 annually and must be renewed every year. There’s also a limit: you can only rent out one primary residence per owner, and you can’t rent out more than four bedrooms in a single unit.

Some neighborhoods have extra restrictions. In areas like Fell’s Point or Hampden, you might face noise ordinances, parking rules, or even bans if your street is designated as a "residential zone." The city uses automated tools to scan listings and cross-check them against permit databases. If your listing shows up without a permit, you’ll get a notice—and if you ignore it, the fines pile up fast.

Landlords who don’t understand these rules often get caught off guard. One owner in East Baltimore got hit with $12,000 in penalties after renting out her basement for three months during a festival. She didn’t realize the permit was required, even for short stays. On the flip side, others use this system to earn $3,000–$5,000 a month during peak seasons like spring and summer. It’s not about avoiding rules—it’s about playing by them smartly.

And it’s not just about the permit. You also need to know about Maryland apartment rental requirements, the legal standards for leases, security deposits, and tenant rights in the state. Even if you’re renting short term, you still need a written agreement that follows state law. You can’t just hand someone a key and walk away. You need disclosures, move-in checklists, and rules about cleaning fees and damage deposits—all spelled out clearly.

There’s also the issue of taxes. Short term rentals in Baltimore are subject to a 9% hotel tax on top of state sales tax. That’s money you collect from guests and must pay to the city. Miss a payment, and you’re looking at penalties plus interest. It’s not a small detail—it’s part of your operating cost.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that cut through the noise. We’ve pulled together posts that break down eviction timelines, rental laws in Maryland, how to calculate rental income, and what happens if you skip the permit. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned investor, these articles give you the facts you need to avoid costly mistakes—and make your short term rental work for you, legally and profitably.