Baltimore vs Columbus

Maryland Legal but Limited | Ohio Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation

Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary). Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Columbus renewal is annual. Overall, Columbus has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Baltimore (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Baltimore face penalties including $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. In Columbus, violations can result in Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Baltimore Overview

Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.

Contact: Baltimore DHCD Property Registration — (410) 396-3575

Full Baltimore guide →

Columbus Overview

Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.

Contact: Dept. of Building and Zoning Services — (614) 645-8366

Full Columbus guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Columbus?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Columbus is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) in Columbus. Overall, Columbus has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Columbus?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Columbus have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Columbus has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Columbus?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for permits with 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax in taxes. Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) with 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and Columbus makes compliance easier for beginners.