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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Columbia, MD

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Howard County requires a rental housing license for any dwelling unit not occupied solely by the owner or owner’s immediate family; licensed units must meet the Howard County Property Maintenance Code for Rental Housing and are subject to inspection. No specific county-wide minimum-night stays, occupancy caps, or host-presence requirements for short-term rentals were identified.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Rental Housing License application via Maryland OneStop or the county portal including property/owner details and HOA fee certification; 2) Pay the application fee ($20.00–$93.50); 3) Pass a mandatory inspection by the Director or designee for compliance with the Property Maintenance Code. Licenses are renewed biennially.

Official Resources

Official Columbia STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Columbia, MD?
Howard County requires a rental housing license for any dwelling unit not occupied solely by the owner or owner’s immediate family; licensed units must meet the Howard County Property Maintenance Code for Rental Housing and are subject to inspection. No specific county-wide minimum-night stays, occupancy caps, or host-presence requirements for short-term rentals were identified.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Columbia?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Columbia. 1) Submit a Rental Housing License application via Maryland OneStop or the county portal including property/owner details and HOA fee certification; 2) Pay the application fee ($20.00–$93.50); 3) Pass a mandatory inspection by the Director or designee for compliance with the Property Maintenance Code. Licenses are renewed biennially.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Columbia?
1) Submit a Rental Housing License application via Maryland OneStop or the county portal including property/owner details and HOA fee certification; 2) Pay the application fee ($20.00–$93.50); 3) Pass a mandatory inspection by the Director or designee for compliance with the Property Maintenance Code. Licenses are renewed biennially.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction