Baltimore vs Washington DC
Maryland Legal but Limited | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Washington DC?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Washington DC?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.