Baltimore vs New York City
Maryland Legal but Limited | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations |
| Verdict | Baltimore 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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
Baltimore 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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or New York City?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or New York City?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city 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. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.