Gaithersburg vs Rockville
How do registration rules rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Rockville, MD?
Gaithersburg and Rockville have similar restriction levels.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
All Gaithersburg STR operators must register and obtain a license from Montgomery County DHCA before listing or operating. The registration process includes safety certification, proof of primary residence, insurance documentation, and tax account registration. License numbers must appear on all advertisements.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
MoCo requires a DHCA license before listing or hosting STR guests. Applications take 30 to 60 days. Annual fee is $500. No license means fines up to $1,000.
View full Rockville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Rockville |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MoCo DHCA | - |
| Requirements | Application, safety cert, insurance, tax registration | - |
| License Display | Required on all listings and ads | - |
| Public Registry | County maintains list | - |
| Transferable | No — tied to operator and address | - |
| License Required | - | Before listing or hosting |
| Annual Fee | - | $500 STR, $150 B&B |
| Processing | - | 30-60 days |
| Enforcement | - | DHCA (since July 2024) |
| Penalty | - | Up to $1,000 per offense |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
How do I register my Gaithersburg property as a short-term rental?
Apply through Montgomery County DHCA with proof of primary residence, floor plan, safety self-certification, insurance documentation, and tax registrations. A license number is issued for display on all listings.
Can I transfer my STR license if I sell my Gaithersburg home?
No. STR licenses are non-transferable. The new owner must apply for their own license through the county DHCA.
Rockville FAQ
Do I need a license to run a short-term rental in Rockville?
Yes. Montgomery County requires a license from DHCA before you can list or host guests. The annual fee is $500 and applications take 30 to 60 days to process.
What changed with Bill 22-23?
Bill 22-23, effective July 1, 2024, transferred STR enforcement to DHCA, increased maximum penalties to $1,000, and updated application procedures including display of license numbers on listings.
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