MarylandSB 06242026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Public Safety - Short-Term Rental Units - Safety (Jillian and Lindsay Wiener Short-Term Rental Safety Act)

Sponsored By: Brian J. Feldman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public SafetyBusiness RegulationAdvertisingBaltimore CityCertificationsCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Counties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Electronic Commerce -see also- Electronic Funds TransferElectronic CommunicationEmergencies -see also- PandemicsEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Fees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFire ProtectionHazardous and Toxic Substances -see also- Asbestos; RadiatnInformation TechnologyInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionInternet -see also- Internet AccessLaw Enforcement -see also- SRO; Sheriffs; State PoliceLeases and RentLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsMaps and ChartsNoticesPrices -see also- Consumer Price IndexPublic Local LawsReportsRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySigns and BillboardsStandards and Best PracticesTelephones

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Short-term rental hosts must add safety gear

Beginning October 1, 2026, hosts who offer stays for less than 30 consecutive days must follow new fire-safety rules. You must post an evacuation map and a list of emergency numbers where guests can see them. You must provide a working fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and a carbon monoxide alarm. Alarms must meet code, be audible in bedrooms with doors closed, be interconnected or meet an approved alternative, and be replaced if over 10 years old or not working. Fee-based booking platforms must tell hosts about these rules and must collect proof of compliance for each unit. Keep the equipment working and the postings visible.

Annual short-term rental inspections and fees

Beginning October 1, 2026, local governments must require yearly inspections of short-term rentals, unless they ban such rentals. They must pass the local law or rule by July 1, 2028 and report inspection details and counts to the State Fire Marshal by that date. Inspections check that hosts meet the posting, extinguisher, smoke alarm, and carbon monoxide alarm rules. Counties and Baltimore City may charge a fee to cover inspection costs. They may use private inspectors who meet State Fire Marshal standards and hold national fire-safety certification. The State Fire Marshal sets minimum qualifications, certifications, and licensing for these inspectors. If your unit passes, the inspector must give you a certificate or receipt to show compliance.

Counties can still ban short-term rentals

Beginning October 1, 2026, this law does not force any county or Baltimore City to allow short-term rentals. Local governments can still ban them or add stricter local rules. That can limit hosting options in some places, but it keeps local control.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brian J. Feldman
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 152 • No: 17

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 112 • No: 17 • Other: 12

Senate vote • 3/20/2026