Baltimore vs Denver

Maryland Legal but Limited | Colorado 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
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation

Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Denver charges $100 license fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Denver renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Denver 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 Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). 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 Denver, violations can result in $999/day for unlicensed operation. 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 →

Denver Overview

Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.

Contact: Denver Excise & Licenses — (720) 913-1311

Full Denver guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Denver?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Denver is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $100 license fee in Denver. Overall, Denver has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Denver?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Denver have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Denver has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Denver?
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. Denver charges $100 license fee with 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and Denver makes compliance easier for beginners.