Baltimore, Maryland Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Baltimore Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rental is a rental of all or a portion of the home for less than 90 nights. The home must be the primary residence to be rented out short-term.View the following resources for more information:
- Baltimore City Code Article 15, Licensing and Regulation, Subtitle 48, Short-Term Residential Rentals.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Business License Requirements
Apply for a short-term rental license here. Short-term rental registration costs $200 per dwelling unit. The maximum number of STR units is two. One hosted unit and one unhosted unit.Building and Housing Standards
Baltimore has rules and regulations specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult Chapter § 2-46. Building Codes for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Baltimore website for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.8
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Competition
5.3 -
Real Estate Cost
8.7 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
8.2 -
Rental Rates
3.9
Baltimore, Maryland Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 585,708
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Baltimore
- Airports
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marsha... (BWI)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Want to learn more about Baltimore?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Baltimore rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Baltimore rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Baltimore.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Baltimore guests.
Interested in other Maryland cities?
Check out the Maryland short term rental regulations directory
What makes Baltimore a great place to invest?
- Vibrant Inner Harbor: The heart of Baltimore's tourism scene, the Inner Harbor is a bustling waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. Don't miss the National Aquarium, showcasing over 20,000 aquatic animals, or the Maryland Science Center, offering interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Take a water taxi or stroll along the picturesque promenade to enjoy the beautiful views of the harbor.
- Rich History and Culture: Dive into Baltimore's storied past at the many historic sites and museums around the city. Visit the USS Constellation, the last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy, or explore the Fort McHenry National Monument, where the "Star-Spangled Banner" was inspired during the War of 1812. Discover the city's African American heritage at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.
- Delectable Culinary Experiences: Baltimore's food scene is a melting pot of global flavors and local ingredients. Savor iconic Maryland blue crabs at one of the city's many seafood restaurants, or indulge in a traditional crab feast complete with Old Bay seasoning. Foodies will also enjoy exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods, like Little Italy and Greektown, for authentic ethnic cuisine.
- Lush Green Spaces: Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Baltimore's numerous parks and green spaces. Take a leisurely stroll or rent a paddleboat at the scenic Druid Hill Park, home to the Maryland Zoo. Or, explore the Cylburn Arboretum's picturesque gardens and trails, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
- Unique Neighborhoods: Experience the charm of Baltimore's distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and history. Wander the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, a historic waterfront neighborhood filled with boutiques, restaurants, and lively nightlife. Or, explore the quirky Hampden neighborhood, known for its eclectic shops, art galleries, and the famous "HONFest," a celebration of Baltimore's unique culture.
Baltimore Nearby Cities
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22 miles away
- Rating: 6.3
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34 miles away
- Rating: 4.6
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Baltimore?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Baltimore has increased 0% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $183, which is lower than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$263,939
0% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$183
-1% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,755
3% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Baltimore, Maryland
Common terms for Baltimore short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Baltimore has a description approximately 1,314 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 2,215 listings in Baltimore, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are NumberSTR, Baltimore, Inner Harbor, Place, Block, Quiet, Perfect, Spacious, Comfortable, and City.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Baltimore?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Baltimore involve going to the City Centre, Museums, the Zoo, Casinos, and the Marina. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Museums
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Zoo
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Casinos
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Marina
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Health Spa
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Boating
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Outlet Shopping
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Cycling
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Adventure Activities
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Antiquing
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Paddle Boating
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Baltimore, including Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina, Baltimore Cruise Terminal, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina
Included on 71% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Baltimore Cruise Terminal
Included on 71% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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National Aquarium in Baltimore
Included on 71% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Johns Hopkins University
Included on 71% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Johns Hopkins Hospital
Included on 71% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Included on 71% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Baltimore Convention Center
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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M&T Bank Stadium
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Power Plant Live
Included on 71% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Maryland Zoo
Included on 69% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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University of Maryland, Baltimore
Included on 69% of listings
What’s the weather like in Baltimore, Maryland?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 66°, while the average low is about 52°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 37 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 15 inches per year. The humidity levels in Baltimore are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
33° Low 45° High
Spring
March through May
49° Low 65° High
Summer
June through August
71° Low 86° High
Fall
September through November
53° Low 68° High
Cities Near Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland, is located in Baltimore County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
