Gaithersburg, MD Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Montgomery County STR licensing under Chapter 54 requires hosts to maintain house rules that address noise and provide them to guests before or at check-in. STR guests are subject to the same noise standards as permanent residents under Montgomery County Code Chapter 31B — 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the receiving property line. Hosts must provide a local emergency contact who can respond within one hour to noise or disturbance complaints. The county maintains a complaint hotline for STR-related issues. Neighbors may file complaints directly with the county DHCA, which tracks complaints against each licensed property. Multiple verified noise complaints can result in license suspension or revocation. Hosts are encouraged to use noise monitoring devices (exterior only, no interior audio recording) to proactively manage guest noise levels. Party events and gatherings exceeding the listed occupancy are prohibited. The 120-day annual rental cap and primary residence requirement help ensure host presence and accountability for guest behavior.