Baltimore vs Houston
Maryland Legal but Limited | Texas Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Houston, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $90 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 | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations | $500/day for non-compliance |
| Verdict | Houston 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
Houston, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $90 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for non-compliance
Houston 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 →Houston Overview
Houston has no zoning code, so STRs are broadly permitted. Hosts must register, collect HOT, and meet fire-safety and parking standards. Deed-restricted communities may impose additional restrictions.
Full Houston guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Houston?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Houston is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $90 registration fee in Houston.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Houston?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Houston 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. Houston: $500/day for non-compliance.