Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cambridge, MD

Short-term rentals are permitted under City of Cambridge Ordinance No. 1204 but are regulated by permit and classified as Type 1 (owner/operator-occupied) or Type 2 (non-owner-occupied). Operators must provide a 24-hour local emergency agent, comply with occupancy limits based on bedrooms and applicable City/State codes, collect and remit a 5% hotel/occupancy tax to Dorchester County, follow parking, noise and trash rules, and may be subject to permit caps by resolution; permits expire after three years and may be revoked for repeated violations.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cambridge. 1) Submit the City’s online Short-Term Rental application (only online) with required attachments (floor plan/site plan, house rules, sample lease, contact info) and pay the application fee ($100 for owner-occupied Type 1; $200 for non-owner-occupied Type 2). 2) Provide a 24-hour local agent contact, attest to required safety devices/insurance, and cure any outstanding city violations before permit issuance. 3) Renew the permit within three months prior to expiration (permits valid three years); renewal fees are stated in the ordinance (e.g., $100 renewal fee noted for Type 1 in the ordinance).

1) Submit the City’s online Short-Term Rental application (only online) with required attachments (floor plan/site plan, house rules, sample lease, contact info) and pay the application fee ($100 for owner-occupied Type 1; $200 for non-owner-occupied Type 2). 2) Provide a 24-hour local agent contact, attest to required safety devices/insurance, and cure any outstanding city violations before permit issuance. 3) Renew the permit within three months prior to expiration (permits valid three years); renewal fees are stated in the ordinance (e.g., $100 renewal fee noted for Type 1 in the ordinance).