8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Short-term residential rentals in unincorporated Montgomery County require a license from DHCA under County Code Chapter 54, Article III. Annual license fee is $500. Owner must occupy the property as primary residence. Effective July 2018; updated Bill 22-23 effective July 1, 2024.
Montgomery County Code Chapter 29 (Landlord-Tenant Regulations); Chapter 10B (Common Ownership Communities)
Licensing and Registration is responsible for issuing rental licenses to over 100,000 condominiums, single-family homes, multi-family units, and accessory dwelling units under Montgomery County Code, Chapter 29, Landlord-Tenant Regulations. In addition, the unit registers 1,100 homeowner and condominium associations known as Common Ownership Communities under Chapter 10B, Common Ownership Commu...
Montgomery County requires licensed short-term rental operators to ensure guests comply with Chapter 31B noise regulations under the STR licensing program in Chapter 54. Operators are responsible for guest conduct and noise complaints can jeopardize the STR license.
Montgomery County imposes a 14.5% combined hotel/transient tax on all short-term rental stays under Chapter 54. STR operators must collect and remit taxes monthly. A license application fee and annual renewal fee are also required. Platforms like Airbnb collect some taxes automatically.
Montgomery County requires STR operators to provide adequate off-street parking for guests as a condition of the Chapter 54 license. On-street parking complaints from neighbors can affect license renewal. HOA parking restrictions also apply in many communities.
Montgomery County limits short-term rental occupancy as part of the Chapter 54 licensing program. Maximum occupancy is typically tied to the number of bedrooms and must be stated on the license application. The 120-day annual cap limits total rental nights per property per year.
Montgomery County recommends or requires short-term rental operators to maintain adequate liability insurance as part of the Chapter 54 licensing framework. Standard homeowner policies often exclude STR activities, requiring supplemental coverage or a commercial rider.
Montgomery County imposes a strict 120-day annual night cap on short-term rentals under Chapter 54. This is one of the more restrictive annual caps among DC-area jurisdictions. The cap applies per property per calendar year regardless of the booking platform used.
Montgomery County requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a license from the Department of Permitting Services under Chapter 54. Applications require proof of ownership, safety inspections, and tax registration. Operating without a license carries significant penalties.
3 cities in Montgomery County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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