Baltimore vs Dallas

Maryland Legal but Limited | Texas Restricted

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Dallas charges $285 registration fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Dallas renewal is annual. Overall, Baltimore has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Dallas (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In Dallas, hosts pay 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Baltimore, but hosts in Dallas must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

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 Dallas, violations can result in $500–$2,000/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 →

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.

Contact: Dallas Code Compliance — 3-1-1 or (214) 670-5111

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. Overall, Baltimore has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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). Notably, Baltimore benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Dallas must handle taxes themselves.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Dallas have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Dallas has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Dallas?
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. Dallas charges $285 registration fee with 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state). Automatic tax collection in Baltimore makes compliance easier for beginners.