Short-Term Rental Regulations in Maryland (MD)
Maryland has a moderate level of short-term rental regulation. Some restrictions. No statewide STR registration is required. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Maryland has no statewide STR law, but platforms must collect and remit state sales tax (6%) and local hotel/room taxes. Municipalities including Annapolis, Baltimore, and Ocean City have enacted local STR ordinances. Montgomery County requires a license.
Full Requirements Summary
Maryland has 0 key regulatory requirements at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | No | No statewide STR law; local regulation |
| Registration Required | No | No state registration needed |
| License Required | No | No state-level license |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Maryland
STR regulations vary by city within Maryland. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | Heavy | STR license required. Must be primary residence. Annual registration. Hotel tax applies. |
| Annapolis | Moderate | STR registration and license required. Zoning restrictions in historic district. Room tax applies. |
| Ocean City | Moderate | Rental license required. Popular vacation destination. Room tax and sales tax apply. Property must meet building codes. |
| Bethesda | Moderate | Montgomery County STR license required. Annual renewal. Must be primary residence in some zones. |
| Frederick | Light | STR regulations in residential zones. Room tax applies. Permit may be needed. |
How Maryland Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Maryland with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Maryland stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (MD) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Florida (FL) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Georgia (GA) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Illinois (IL) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Louisiana (LA) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Maryland?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Maryland. No state-level registration is required, though your city may have its own requirements. The state's overall restriction level is moderate. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Maryland?
Maryland does not require a state-level STR license. Individual cities in Maryland may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Maryland has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Baltimore has the most restrictive STR regulations in Maryland with a heavy restriction level. STR license required. Must be primary residence. Annual registration. Hotel tax applies.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Maryland?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Maryland state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Maryland, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.