Gaithersburg vs Rockville
How do night caps rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Rockville, MD?
Rockville has fewer restrictions than Gaithersburg.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Montgomery County imposes a 120-night annual cap on short-term rentals under County Code Chapter 54. Hosts may rent their primary residence for a maximum of 120 nights per calendar year. This cap applies whether the host is present or absent during the rental period.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
MoCo limits unhosted short-term rentals to 120 nights per year. No cap applies when the owner is present. The property must be the owner primary residence.
View full Rockville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Rockville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cap | 120 nights per calendar year | - |
| Law | MoCo Code Ch 54 (Bill 41-19) | - |
| Applies To | Both hosted and unhosted stays | - |
| Reset | January 1 each year | - |
| Platform Data | Shared with county for monitoring | - |
| Unhosted Cap | - | 120 nights per year |
| Hosted Stays | - | No annual cap |
| Residence | - | Must be primary home |
| Tracking | - | Host responsibility |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
How many nights can I rent my Gaithersburg home as an STR?
Montgomery County limits short-term rentals to 120 nights per calendar year under Chapter 54. This applies whether you are present or absent during guest stays.
What happens if I exceed the 120-night cap?
Operating beyond 120 nights carries fines up to $500 per additional night and may result in license revocation and future licensing prohibition.
Rockville FAQ
How many nights can I rent my Rockville home as a short-term rental?
If you are not present during guest stays, Montgomery County caps unhosted rentals at 120 nights per calendar year. If you stay on-site while hosting, there is no annual limit.
Do I need to track my rental nights?
Yes. Hosts are responsible for tracking and reporting rental nights to DHCA. Exceeding the 120-night unhosted limit can result in fines and license action.
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