Vacation rental licensing in Baltimore

Operating a short-term rental (STR) in Baltimore requires compliance with local laws aimed at balancing tourism and residential community interests. This guide provides detailed steps on how to obtain a vacation rental license in Baltimore.

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Types of Short-Term Rental Licenses in Baltimore

1. Primary Residence Short-Term Rental License

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• Applies to properties that are the owner's primary residence.

• Allows for the rental of up to two rooms or the entire residence when the owner is temporarily absent.

• No limit on rental days if the property remains the owner’s primary residence.

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2. Non-Primary Residence Short-Term Rental License

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• For entire properties where the owner does not reside on-site.

• Subject to stricter zoning and operational guidelines.

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Key Requirements for STR Licensing in Baltimore

1. Zoning Compliance

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• Confirm your property is in a zone that allows STRs using the Baltimore Zoning Map.

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2. Proof of Primary Residence

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• Owners must provide proof that the property is their primary residence (e.g., driver’s license, utility bills).

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3. Rental License Application

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• Apply for a Short-Term Rental License via the city’s online portal.

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4. Hotel Tax Registration

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• Register to collect and remit the Hotel Tax (9.5%) for stays under 30 days.

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5. Safety and Health Compliance

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• Install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Provide fire extinguishers and adhere to local safety and health standards.

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6. Neighbor Notification

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• Notify neighboring property owners about your intent to operate a short-term rental.

• Provide contact details for complaints or concerns.

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Application Process for a Vacation Rental License in Baltimore

Step 1: Verify Zoning and Apply for a Rental License

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• Confirm zoning compliance and apply via the Baltimore Housing Portal.

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Step 2: Register for Hotel Tax

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• Register to collect and remit the Hotel Tax to the city.

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Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

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• Proof of primary residence or ownership.

• Neighbor notification documentation.

• Safety compliance certifications.

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Step 4: Pay Licensing Fees

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• Primary Residence Permit: $200 annually

• Non-Primary Residence Permit: $500 annually

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Step 5: Display License Number

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• Display your license number on all booking platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

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Non-compliance with Baltimore's STR regulations may result in:

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• Fines: Starting at $500 per violation.

• License Revocation: For repeated violations.

• Legal Action: Potential legal proceedings for ongoing non-compliance.

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How Lodge Compliance Can Help

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Lodge Compliance simplifies the vacation rental licensing process in Baltimore by offering:

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• Permit Application Assistance: Step-by-step guidance through the licensing process.

• Compliance Monitoring: Stay informed of local regulatory changes.

• Operational Support: Implement safety and health standards for full compliance.

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Ready to operate your vacation rental legally in Baltimore? Request a Demo to learn how Lodge Compliance can help you secure your license and stay compliant.

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Operate Legally and Maximize Your Earnings

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Baltimore's short-term rental market offers significant income opportunities. By following the city’s regulations and maintaining high operational standards, you can build a successful and legally compliant vacation rental business.