Baltimore vs Salt Lake City

Maryland Legal but Limited | Utah Effectively Banned

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Baltimore has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Baltimore has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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 Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. 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 →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Salt Lake City?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Overall, Baltimore has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Salt Lake City?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Salt Lake City?
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. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.