Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lewes, DE

Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Lewes, DE, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons (children 12 and under excluded). Rentals must have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, include the rental ID in all advertising, and designate a local contact available 24/7 who can respond within two hours. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons (children 12 and under excluded). Rentals must have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, include the rental ID in all advertising, and designate a local contact available 24/7 who can respond within two hours.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lewes. Submit a completed rental license application by February 1st with the $200 annual fee and Gross Rental Receipts Tax (GRRT) for the previous year. Owners must attest to safety requirements and agree to allow inspections by the Planning and Building Department with 48 hours' notice.

Submit a completed rental license application by February 1st with the $200 annual fee and Gross Rental Receipts Tax (GRRT) for the previous year. Owners must attest to safety requirements and agree to allow inspections by the Planning and Building Department with 48 hours' notice.

Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Lewes, DE, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Lewes are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Lewes. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.