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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Talbot County, MD

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are restricted by license type (Class A for primary residences, Class B for non-primary). Occupancy is limited to the lesser of 12 persons or two per bedroom; a three-night minimum stay and 14-week maximum rental period apply. In RC and RR districts, Class B licenses must be at least 1,000 feet from other licensed STRs.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an application via the County online permit portal and pay the required fees ($400 for new, $250 for renewal). 2. Complete minimum zoning and safety inspections (required for new applications or dwellings with more than one story). 3. New applications undergo a public hearing before the Short-Term Rental Review Board, which includes notification of neighbors within 1,000 feet.

Official Resources

Official Talbot County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Talbot County, MD?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Talbot County, MD, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are restricted by license type (Class A for primary residences, Class B for non-primary). Occupancy is limited to the lesser of 12 persons or two per bedroom; a three-night minimum stay and 14-week maximum rental period apply. In RC and RR districts, Class B licenses must be at least 1,000 feet from other licensed STRs. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Talbot County, MD?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are restricted by license type (Class A for primary residences, Class B for non-primary). Occupancy is limited to the lesser of 12 persons or two per bedroom; a three-night minimum stay and 14-week maximum rental period apply. In RC and RR districts, Class B licenses must be at least 1,000 feet from other licensed STRs.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Talbot County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Talbot County. 1. Submit an application via the County online permit portal and pay the required fees ($400 for new, $250 for renewal). 2. Complete minimum zoning and safety inspections (required for new applications or dwellings with more than one story). 3. New applications undergo a public hearing before the Short-Term Rental Review Board, which includes notification of neighbors within 1,000 feet.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Talbot County?
1. Submit an application via the County online permit portal and pay the required fees ($400 for new, $250 for renewal). 2. Complete minimum zoning and safety inspections (required for new applications or dwellings with more than one story). 3. New applications undergo a public hearing before the Short-Term Rental Review Board, which includes notification of neighbors within 1,000 feet.
Is Vrbo legal in Talbot County, MD?
Vrbo is permitted in Talbot 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Talbot County?
Short-term rental hosts in Talbot 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 Talbot County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Talbot 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