Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Howard County, MD

Howard County requires a Rental Housing License for any dwelling unit not occupied solely by the owner or owner’s immediate family; short-term rentals therefore are permitted but must comply with county zoning (uses determined by zoning districts) and the Howard County Property Maintenance Code for Rental Housing and applicable building, fire, and safety codes. Homeowners association or condominium rules may also prohibit transient rentals.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Howard County. 1) Submit an online Rental Housing License application via Howard County’s licensing portal/Accela Citizens Access or the Maryland OneStop application link and provide property and owner/agent information; 2) The Department Director (DILP) will inspect the dwelling for compliance with the Howard County Property Maintenance Code for Rental Housing and applicable codes; pay the application fee as stated ($20.00–$93.50 on the OneStop listing) and provide required documentation; 3) If the unit meets code, the Director issues the rental license; licenses may be renewed (OneStop states renewal after two years) and the Director may re-inspect as needed.

1) Submit an online Rental Housing License application via Howard County’s licensing portal/Accela Citizens Access or the Maryland OneStop application link and provide property and owner/agent information; 2) The Department Director (DILP) will inspect the dwelling for compliance with the Howard County Property Maintenance Code for Rental Housing and applicable codes; pay the application fee as stated ($20.00–$93.50 on the OneStop listing) and provide required documentation; 3) If the unit meets code, the Director issues the rental license; licenses may be renewed (OneStop states renewal after two years) and the Director may re-inspect as needed.