Baltimore vs Houston

Maryland Legal but Limited | Texas 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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Houston charges $90 registration fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Houston renewal is annual. Overall, Houston 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 Houston, hosts pay 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% 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 Houston, violations can result in $500/day for non-compliance. 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 →

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.

Contact: Houston Administration & Regulatory Affairs — (832) 394-8803

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. Overall, Houston has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Houston have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Houston has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Houston?
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. Houston charges $90 registration fee with 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state). Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and Houston makes compliance easier for beginners.