Atlanta vs Baltimore
Georgia Legal with Permit | Maryland Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Baltimore, Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Biennial |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations |
| Verdict | Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Atlanta, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150/year
Tax Rate 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for operating without permit
Baltimore, Maryland
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit
Tax Rate 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations
Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Atlanta Overview
Owner-occupied and investor-owned units both allowed with a Short-Term Rental License. Must pass fire inspection and provide 24/7 local contact.
Full Atlanta guide →Baltimore Overview
Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.
Full Baltimore guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Baltimore?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Baltimore is "Legal but Limited." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit in Baltimore.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Baltimore?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Atlanta: $1,000/day for operating without permit. Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations.