Wilmington's STR registration program under Ch. 48 Section 48-104.6 may impose annual night caps on unhosted whole-home rentals, especially in residential zoning districts, to limit conversion of housing stock into year-round transient lodging.
Wilmington's short-term-rental program under Ch. 48 Section 48-104.6 can impose night caps on unhosted whole-home rentals in residential zones, similar to limits adopted in other cities concerned about housing conversion. Caps typically apply only to fully unhosted rentals; hosted private-room stays usually have no annual limit. Operators must report nights rented at registration renewal, and platforms may be asked to confirm activity. The goal is preserving long-term housing in a city facing affordability pressure documented by Housing Alliance Delaware. Exceeding the cap is grounds for non-renewal of the registration.
Exceeding the annual night cap on an unhosted STR can result in registration non-renewal, fines, and zoning enforcement action by Wilmington Licenses and Inspections.
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington's STR ordinance under Ch. 48 Section 48-104.6 distinguishes owner-occupied registrations from non-primary-residence rentals, with non-primary STRs...
Wilmington, DE
Wilmington requires a residential property rental license and STR operator permit. Most residential zones (R1–R5) do not permit STRs; a citywide cap of 150 S...
See how Wilmington's night caps rules stack up against other locations.
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