Wilmington, DE Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Wilmington, DE, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Citywide cap
- 150 STR units (2024)
- Per-owner limit
- 1 STR unit
- Zones allowing STRs
- Limited; R1–R5 generally prohibited
- Code
- City Code Ch. 48; STR Ordinance (2024)
Summary
Wilmington requires a residential property rental license and STR operator permit. Most residential zones (R1–R5) do not permit STRs; a citywide cap of 150 STR units was approved in 2024.
Sec. 34-349. No dwelling unit in the city may be used as a short-term rental unless: (1) An owner of the dwelling unit possesses a valid and current short-term rental owner permit issued for the dwelling unit in accordance with this article, and all owners fully comply with all legal requirements and duties imposed herein; and (2) An owner has designated an operator possessing a valid short-term rental operator permit. Sec. 34-350. Only natural persons age 18 or over may own a property used as a residential short-term rental. Ownership, in whole or in part, by a business entity, trust, or any other corporate form is prohibited. No person may possess more than one short-term rental owner permit. A short-term rental owner permit shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance, and shall be reapplied for annually.
Full Breakdown
Under Wilmington City Code Ch. 48 (Zoning) and STR regulations approved in 2024, short-term rentals are generally not permitted in residential districts R1–R5 (which allow only owner-occupied bed-and-breakfasts). A 2024 ordinance capped total STRs citywide at 150 units and limits owner-operators to one STR property. Operators need a Residential Property Rental License (annual) plus an STR operator permit. STR booking platforms operating in the city also require a separate platform permit. Enforcement has been ramping up following the 2024 ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Unlicensed STRs may receive cease-and-desist orders and fines from the Dept. of Licenses and Inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my home short-term in Wilmington?
What licenses do I need to operate an STR in Wilmington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wilmington
How Wilmington compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Wilmington to another location·View the Delaware short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.