Is Airbnb legal in Baltimore?

Baltimore Airbnb Regulations Overview

Baltimore has established a comprehensive framework for regulating short-term rentals (STRs), such as those listed on Airbnb and VRBO, aimed at maintaining community integrity while accommodating the growing sharing economy. Here are the key regulations every host should know:

1. Mandatory Licensing: All short-term rentals in Baltimore, whether owner-occupied ("hosted") or non-owner-occupied ("un-hosted"), are required to be registered and licensed by the city. This includes a $200 fee for a biennial license.

2. Eligible Properties: Hosts can only rent out their primary residence as a short-term rental. The city prohibits the use of non-primary residences or investment properties for short-term rentals. This regulation aims to curb potential disturbances in residential neighborhoods.

3. Neighbor Notification: Before operating an STR, hosts must notify adjacent neighbors about their rental activities, providing them with contact information to address any concerns that may arise.

4. Tax Compliance: Hosts are obligated to collect and remit a 9.5% transient occupancy tax to Baltimore City, along with a 6% state lodging tax. While platforms like Airbnb may assist in collecting these taxes, the responsibility ultimately falls on the host.

5. Regulatory Compliance: The licensing process necessitates adherence to various operational standards, including safety, zoning, noise control, parking regulations, and trash management.

6. Enforcement: Baltimore is known for its relatively strict enforcement of STR regulations. Challenges with the licensing process and compliance can dissuade prospective hosts, though some find it manageable.

7. Documentation Requirements: To obtain a short-term rental license, hosts must secure a state Tax ID, disclose property details, and ensure that their property is free from code violations.

Conclusion

While Baltimore's regulations can be perceived as cumbersome, the city's efforts reflect a commitment to balancing the needs of the short-term rental industry with community stability. Hosts are encouraged to stay informed about evolving regulations and to maintain clear communication with neighbors to foster a cooperative environment.