Baltimore vs Detroit
Maryland Legal but Limited | Michigan Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Detroit, Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $500 annual license fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| 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 | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Baltimore Overview
Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.
Full Baltimore guide →Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Detroit?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Detroit is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $500 annual license fee in Detroit.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Detroit?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). 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. Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation.