Baltimore vs Portland

Maryland Legal but Limited | Oregon Legal but Limited

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
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling). Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Portland renewal is every 2 years. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal but Limited."

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In Portland, hosts pay 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% 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 Portland, violations can result in Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. 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 →

Portland Overview

Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.

Contact: Portland Permitting & Development — (503) 823-2633

Full Portland guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Portland?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Portland?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% 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. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Portland have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Portland has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Portland?
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. Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) with 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and Portland makes compliance easier for beginners.