Montgomery County, MD Short-Term Rentals: Repeat Violator Strikes (2026)
Key Facts
- Lookback window
- 36 months, no Ch. 54 violation
- Post-revocation ban
- 3 years, licensee + household + unit
- First violation
- Not sole grounds to deny (§54-45(d))
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs
Summary
A prior violation within 36 months disqualifies a short-term rental license applicant, and a revoked license locks out the same operator and unit for three years.
the applicant has not been found guilty of a violation of this Chapter in the past 36 months... For a period of 3 years after a license is revoked, the Director must not issue a bed and breakfast or short-term residential rental license to: (a) the former licensee or a member of the former licensee's household; or (b) any applicant for a license to use the same dwelling unit where the license was revoked.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code § 54-43(j), a bed-and-breakfast or short-term residential rental applicant must certify they have not been found guilty of a Chapter 54 violation in the past 36 months. First-time unlicensed operation alone can't be used to deny a license under § 54-45(d), but § 54-45(a) requires the Director to review for compliance with the chapter, and § 54-47 lets the Director suspend or revoke a license for a violation or repeated nuisance/safety conduct. Once revoked, § 54-49 bars the Department of Housing and Community Affairs from issuing a new bed-and-breakfast or short-term rental license to that former licensee, their household, or any applicant for the same dwelling unit for three years.
Violations & Fines
Director may suspend or revoke the license (§ 54-47); a revocation triggers a 3-year licensing ban on the operator, their household, and that unit (§ 54-49).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Montgomery County STR license after a violation?
How long does a revoked STR license lock you out?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland short-term rentals overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.