Baltimore vs Nashville
Maryland Legal but Limited | Tennessee Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Nashville, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $313 permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax |
| 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 | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations |
| 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
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations
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 →Nashville Overview
Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.
Full Nashville guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Nashville?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Nashville is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $313 permit fee in Nashville.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Nashville?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales 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. Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations.