Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Montgomery County, MD

Airbnb listings are allowed in Montgomery County, MD, but with restrictions. Short-term residential rentals are subject to Montgomery County licensing and are permitted only when the dwelling is the owner’s or owner-authorized resident’s primary residence; maximum of 6 adults total and no more than 2 adults per bedroom; only habitable rooms used by guests; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and functioning sanitation required; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may not be used as STRs; applicants must comply with Chapter 59 zoning standards and must notify specified neighbors/parties and designate an emergency representative who resides within 15 miles. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term residential rentals are subject to Montgomery County licensing and are permitted only when the dwelling is the owner’s or owner-authorized resident’s primary residence; maximum of 6 adults total and no more than 2 adults per bedroom; only habitable rooms used by guests; smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and functioning sanitation required; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may not be used as STRs; applicants must comply with Chapter 59 zoning standards and must notify specified neighbors/parties and designate an emergency representative who resides within 15 miles.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Montgomery County. 1) Submit a short-term residential rental license application through the Montgomery County DHCA licensing process (application must include State Sales Tax & Use Registration number and signed certifications required by County Code Chapter 54). 2) Certify compliance with zoning (Chapter 59), occupancy limits, life-safety requirements (smoke/CO detectors), neighbor/municipality/HOA notifications as applicable, designate a local emergency representative, and pay required fees. 3) Licenses are issued by the Director, subject to inspections by the Department, and must be renewed annually.

1) Submit a short-term residential rental license application through the Montgomery County DHCA licensing process (application must include State Sales Tax & Use Registration number and signed certifications required by County Code Chapter 54). 2) Certify compliance with zoning (Chapter 59), occupancy limits, life-safety requirements (smoke/CO detectors), neighbor/municipality/HOA notifications as applicable, designate a local emergency representative, and pay required fees. 3) Licenses are issued by the Director, subject to inspections by the Department, and must be renewed annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Montgomery County, MD under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Montgomery 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.

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