Short-term rental guests in DC are subject to the same noise regulations as all residents under 20 DCMR Chapters 27-28. Quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM apply, with residential limits of 55 dBA nighttime. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance.
DC does not have separate noise rules specific to short-term rentals. All noise regulations under 20 DCMR Chapters 27-28 apply equally to STR guests. The residential limits of 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the property line apply. During quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM), subjective disturbance enforcement is permitted under 20 DCMR 2799.1. Hosts are expected to inform guests of noise rules as part of their license obligations. Repeated noise complaints at an STR property may be grounds for license revocation by DLCP. The Amplified Sound Mitigation Act of 2024 further restricts amplified sound to 90 dBA at source and 55 dBA inside the nearest residence.
Noise violations: $500 to $2,000 fines. Repeated noise complaints at an STR may lead to license suspension or revocation.
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