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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kent County, MD

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Kent County requires operators to collect and remit a short-term rental tax on stays of 4 consecutive months or less, with reports due by the 21st of each month. Properties within municipalities face stricter rules: for example, Chestertown restricts STRs to specific residential zones, requires owners to have held title for at least one year, limits occupancy to 2 persons per bedroom (max 14 total), and mandates liability insurance and on-site parking plans.

Official Resources

Official Kent County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Kent County, MD?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Kent County, MD. Kent County requires operators to collect and remit a short-term rental tax on stays of 4 consecutive months or less, with reports due by the 21st of each month. Properties within municipalities face stricter rules: for example, Chestertown restricts STRs to specific residential zones, requires owners to have held title for at least one year, limits occupancy to 2 persons per bedroom (max 14 total), and mandates liability insurance and on-site parking plans. "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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Kent County, MD?
Kent County requires operators to collect and remit a short-term rental tax on stays of 4 consecutive months or less, with reports due by the 21st of each month. Properties within municipalities face stricter rules: for example, Chestertown restricts STRs to specific residential zones, requires owners to have held title for at least one year, limits occupancy to 2 persons per bedroom (max 14 total), and mandates liability insurance and on-site parking plans.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Kent County?
No permit is currently required to operate a short-term rental in Kent County.
Is Vrbo legal in Kent County, MD?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Kent County, MD, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform, and no permit is currently required. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Kent County?
Short-term rental hosts in Kent County 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Kent County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Kent County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction