Short-term rental permit rules in Montgomery County, MD — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Short-term residential rentals in unincorporated Montgomery County require a license from DHCA under County Code Chapter 54, Article III. Annual license fee is $500. Owner must occupy the property as primary residence. Effective July 2018; updated Bill 22-23 effective July 1, 2024.
Montgomery County Code Chapter 54, Article III (as amended by Bill 2-16 in 2018 and Bill 22-23 effective July 1, 2024) requires all short-term residential rentals (rentals under 30 consecutive days) to obtain an annual license from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA). The property must be the owner's primary residence, and only one property may be licensed per owner. When the owner is absent, rentals are limited to 120 days per calendar year. Maximum of 6 adults per stay, 2 per bedroom. ADUs may not be operated as STRs. Applicants must obtain a Maryland State Sales/Use Tax ID and register for a Room Rental-Transient Tax Account. License is valid for one year. Municipalities within Montgomery County (Gaithersburg, Rockville, and several towns) are exempt from the county STR law and set their own rules.
Unlicensed operation may result in additional fees, penalties, and restrictions on the property.
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See how Montgomery County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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