Montgomery County, MD Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adult guest cap
- 6 overnight guests 18+
- Per-bedroom cap
- 2 adult guests per bedroom
- Where required
- License application certification
- Enforcing office
- Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs
Summary
Short-term rental license applicants in Montgomery County, Maryland must certify occupancy caps: no more than 6 overnight guests age 18 or older, and no more than 2 adult guests per bedroom.
the total number of overnight guests in the short-term residential rental who are 18 years or older is limited to 6, and the total number of overnight guests over 18 years of age per bedroom is limited to 2;
(c) only habitable rooms will be used by guests;
(d) smoke detectors in all units and carbon monoxide detectors in all units using natural gas operate as designed;
(e) sanitation facilities operate as designed;
(f) all local taxes and required fees are paid in full;
(g) the dwelling unit where the bed and breakfast or short-term residential rental is located is the primary residence of the applicant;
(h) the applicant is the owner or owner-authorized agent of the facility;
(i) the applicant posted rules and regulations inside the rental, including contact information for a representative designated for emergency purposes;
(j) notwithstanding section 54-45(d), the applicant has not been found guilty of a violation of this
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
Under County Code § 54-43(b), an applicant for a bed and breakfast or short-term residential rental license must certify that the total number of overnight guests 18 or older is limited to 6, and overnight guests over 18 per bedroom is limited to 2. The certification is part of the license application reviewed by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs Director before a license issues or renews under Chapter 54, Article III. Violating the certified terms can support suspension or revocation of the license under § 54-47.
Violations & Fines
DHCA Director may suspend or revoke the STR license under § 54-47 for violating this Chapter; a revoked license bars re-licensing the same unit for 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can stay overnight at a Montgomery County short-term rental?
What happens if an STR exceeds the occupancy cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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