DC's Short-Term Rental Regulation Act (DC Law 22-307, DC Code section 47-2828.01) limits occupancy and operations. Hosts may rent their primary residence as a short-term rental only, with no more than 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Un-hosted stays are capped at 90 nights per calendar year. Each listing must display the DC STR license number.
DC fully regulates short-term rentals under the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 (effective enforcement January 2022), codified at DC Code section 47-2828.01 and implemented by DCMR 14-9. Only a host's primary residence qualifies — investor-owned STRs are prohibited. Hosts must carry a Basic Business License with STR endorsement from DLCP. Occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (for example, a 2-bedroom apartment caps at 6). No more than 90 nights of un-hosted rental per calendar year; hosted stays (owner present) are unlimited. Listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms must display the DC license number. Condos and coops may independently ban STRs. The Office of Tax and Revenue collects the 14.95 percent transient accommodation tax. Neighborhoods like Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and U Street are common complaint zones. Bookings are flagged and investigated through a shared data agreement between DLCP and platform operators.
First offense: $500 civil fine plus license warning. Second offense: $1,000. Willful or repeat violations: $2,000 plus license revocation under DC Code 47-2828.01(g). Operating without license: $6,250. Exceeding 90-night un-hosted cap: $1,000 per excess night.
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See how District of Columbia's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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