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Baltimore County, MD Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Detached-home cap
8 guests maximum
Attached/semi-detached cap
6 guests maximum
Per-bedroom limit
2 guests per bedroom
Minimum guest age
One guest 21 or older
Code section
Balt. Co. Code 35-6-208

Summary

Guest counts are capped by bedrooms, parking, and septic capacity, but never more than 8 guests in a single-family detached dwelling or 6 in an attached or semi-detached dwelling. A rental may host no more than 2 guests per bedroom, and at least one guest must be 21 or older.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Baltimore County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Regardless of whether more guests may be permitted due to the number of bedrooms, parking spaces, or septic system capacity, the maximum number of guests... is: (I) 8 guests in a single-family detached dwelling; and (II) 6 guests in a single-family attached or single-family semi-detached dwelling.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Baltimore County Code 35-6-208 limits how many guests may occupy a short-term rental at any given time. The maximum is set by the number of bedrooms, the number of provided parking spaces, and, where applicable, septic-system capacity, but regardless of those factors it may never exceed 8 guests in a single-family detached dwelling or 6 guests in a single-family attached or semi-detached dwelling. Unless the Director modifies it at licensing, a rental may host no more than 2 guests per bedroom, and must provide one parking space per two guests. Under 35-6-209, at all times at least one guest must be at least 21 years old. Each bedroom must be at least 100 square feet and meet fire-prevention codes.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding occupancy limits violates the subtitle and is grounds to suspend or revoke the license; each day of violation is a separate offense with civil penalties available cumulatively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay in a Baltimore County short-term rental?
No more than 8 in a single-family detached dwelling and 6 in an attached or semi-detached dwelling, and no more than 2 guests per bedroom (Code 35-6-208). Bedrooms, parking, and septic capacity may lower that.
Is there an age requirement for STR guests in Baltimore County?
Yes. Code 35-6-209(B)(1) requires that at all times one or more guests is at least 21 years old. The host must ensure this along with waste-collection compliance and a 60-minute emergency response.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

Short-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsRepeat Violator StrikesSignificant RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Baltimore County rules

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