Baltimore vs Dallas
Maryland Legal but Limited | Texas Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Dallas, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $285 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations | $500–$2,000/violation |
| Verdict | Baltimore 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
Dallas, Texas
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $285 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500–$2,000/violation
Baltimore 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 →Dallas Overview
Dallas banned non-owner-occupied STRs in residential single-family zoning districts effective April 2023. Owner-occupied or 'hosted' stays and multifamily/commercial zoning remain allowed with registration.
Full Dallas guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Dallas?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Dallas is "Restricted." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $285 registration fee in Dallas.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Dallas?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Dallas charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state). 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. Dallas: $500–$2,000/violation.