What is the penalty for breaking Maryland's short-term rental fire safety law?
Quick answer
The law itself sets no fine. Maryland's short-term rental fire safety subtitle (Public Safety 9-1101 to 9-1106, in force since October 1, 2026) has no penalty section and no dollar amount. The state fiscal note says only that "existing criminal penalty provisions" apply, without naming one. The practical risks come from booking sites, which must ask for your compliance documentation, and from county rules and inspections.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Md. Code, Public Safety 9-1101 to 9-1106 (2026 Md. Laws chs. 9 and 10, HB 1221 / SB 624); effective October 1, 2026 | Official source |
| Penalty section | None. The subtitle runs from 9-1101 to 9-1106 and no section sets a fine or penalty | Official source (9-1106 is the last section) |
| Fiscal note | "The application of existing criminal penalty provisions to violations of the bill does not materially affect State finances." No provision is named | DLS fiscal and policy note |
| Booking services | Must notify hosts of the rules and require each host's compliance documentation for each unit (9-1104) | Official source |
| County inspections | By July 1, 2028, each county and Baltimore City must require annual inspections of all short-term rental units (9-1105(b)) | Official source |
| Local rules | Counties and Baltimore City may adopt other short-term rental measures on top of the state rules (9-1106(2)) | Official source |
| Host duties | Evacuation diagram, emergency numbers, working fire extinguisher, working smoke and CO alarms (9-1103(a)) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 25, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Why do some sites quote a $1,000 fine?
Other Maryland fire laws have their own penalties, for example the smoke alarm subtitle in Public Safety 9-109. The short-term rental subtitle does not refer to them, and the fiscal note does not say which "existing criminal penalty provisions" it means. We do not put a dollar figure on it; if a fine matters to you, ask a Maryland lawyer or your county fire marshal.
So what actually happens if I do not comply?
Booking services must require your compliance documentation for each unit (9-1104), and once your county runs the annual inspections required by 9-1105, a unit that passes gets a certificate, receipt or other documentation. Counties can also add their own short-term rental rules and penalties (9-1106).
Does it apply to my rental?
It applies only to units offered for short-term rental for less than 30 consecutive days (9-1102).
Want it done in an afternoon? The Maryland short-term rental fire safety kit turns these rules into fill-in templates, a checklist and a tracker, with the official sources quoted. One-time payment, instant download.
What else do people ask?
Is there a private right to sue in the subtitle?
The subtitle does not create one in its text. Other law may apply; ask a Maryland lawyer.
When do county inspections start?
Each county and Baltimore City must require them by local law or regulation on or before July 1, 2028 (9-1105(b)). Some may start earlier.
Can my county charge for inspections?
Yes, a county or Baltimore City may set a fee to cover the cost of inspection (9-1105(c)).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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