Baltimore vs Minneapolis

Maryland Legal but Limited | Minnesota 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
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $64 short-term rental registration fee
Tax Rate 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses

Minneapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Minneapolis renewal is annual. Overall, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, hosts pay 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). 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 Minneapolis, violations can result in Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. 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 →

Minneapolis Overview

Owners limited to one STR property plus their homesteaded residence; buildings with 20+ units capped at 10% STR units. $300,000 liability insurance and neighbor notification required.

Contact: Inspections Services Division — (612) 673-3000

Full Minneapolis guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Minneapolis?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Minneapolis is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $64 short-term rental registration fee in Minneapolis. Overall, Minneapolis has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Minneapolis?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Minneapolis have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Minneapolis has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Minneapolis?
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. Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee with 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and Minneapolis makes compliance easier for beginners.