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.
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.
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.
Unlicensed STRs may receive cease-and-desist orders and fines from the Dept. of Licenses and Inspections.
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See how Wilmington's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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