Short-term rental permit rules in Washington, DC — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
DC requires a license to operate any short-term rental under the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 22-307, DC Code 30-201.01 et seq.). Two license types exist: Short-Term Rental (host present, unlimited nights) and Vacation Rental (host absent, max 90 nights per year). Only primary residences eligible for the Homestead Tax Deduction qualify.
The Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 22-307) established DC's licensing framework. Hosts must obtain a license through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Two license types are available: (1) Short-Term Rental License for host-present rentals with no night limit, and (2) Vacation Rental License for host-absent rentals capped at 90 nights per year. The property must be the host's primary residence and eligible for the Homestead Tax Deduction. LLCs, corporations, and tenants cannot operate STRs. The two-year license costs $104.50 ($70 processing + $25 endorsement + 10% technology fee). Hosts must carry minimum $250,000 liability insurance. Safety requirements include smoke detectors on all habitable floors, CO detectors, unobstructed egress, and clean linens between guests.
First violation: $250 fine. Second violation: $500. Third and subsequent: $1,000 each. Operating without a license subjects the host to all applicable penalties plus back taxes.
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