Baltimore vs Los Angeles
Maryland Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 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 | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| 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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Los Angeles?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Los Angeles?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. 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. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).