Montgomery County, MD Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 54, Transient Lodging Facilities
- Trigger
- Repeated noise nuisance, Department-verified
- Enforcement
- License suspension or revocation
- Revocation ban
- 3 years, same unit/licensee
- Process
- Director may require show-cause hearing
Summary
A short-term rental license can be suspended or revoked if the property repeatedly causes a noise nuisance, under the county's Transient Lodging Facilities chapter.
has repeatedly operated in a manner that is dangerous to the health and safety of the community or is a nuisance because of noise or other activity, as verified by the Department.
(b) Prior to any suspension or revocation, the Director may require the holder of the license to appear before the Director and show cause why the license should not be suspended or revoked. (2017_L.M.C.,_ch._27, §1; 2019 L.M.C.,_ch._23, §1 ; 2023_L.M.C.,_ch._33, §1.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County licenses bed and breakfasts and short-term residential rentals under Chapter 54 (Transient Lodging Facilities). The Director of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs may suspend or revoke a license if the licensee 'has repeatedly operated in a manner that is dangerous to the health and safety of the community or is a nuisance because of noise or other activity, as verified by the Department.' Before acting, the Director may require the licensee to appear and show cause why the license should not be suspended or revoked. A revoked license bars the former licensee, their household, and any new applicant for that same unit from getting a license again for 3 years.
Violations & Fines
Repeated noise nuisance verified by the Department can trigger license suspension or revocation; the licensee may be called to show cause first, and a revocation carries a 3-year re-licensing ban for that unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Montgomery County short-term rental lose its license over noise complaints?
Is a single noisy party enough to revoke an STR license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland short-term rentals overview
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