Baltimore vs Charlotte
Maryland Legal but Limited | North Carolina Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Charlotte, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | Business license required; contact city for current fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations | $500/day for continued non-compliance |
| Verdict | Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Charlotte, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Business license required; contact city for current fee
Tax Rate ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for continued non-compliance
Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Baltimore Overview
Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.
Full Baltimore guide →Charlotte Overview
Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.
Full Charlotte guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Charlotte?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Charlotte is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to Business license required; contact city for current fee in Charlotte.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Charlotte?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Charlotte: $500/day for continued non-compliance.