Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wicomico County, MD

Airbnb listings are allowed in Wicomico County, MD, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as lodging for less than 31 days. Owners must maintain a valid Rental Owner’s License, register each unit with the Housing & Community Development Department (HCDD), and pass annual internal/external inspections. Requirements include smoke/CO alarm compliance, posting emergency contacts and floor plans, maintaining a guest registry, and obtaining HOA approval if applicable. 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 rentals (STRs) are defined as lodging for less than 31 days. Owners must maintain a valid Rental Owner’s License, register each unit with the Housing & Community Development Department (HCDD), and pass annual internal/external inspections. Requirements include smoke/CO alarm compliance, posting emergency contacts and floor plans, maintaining a guest registry, and obtaining HOA approval if applicable.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wicomico County. 1. Obtain a Rental Owner’s License from the HCDD by submitting an application and paying the required fee. 2. Register the specific STR dwelling unit by filing a registration form with HCDD (deadline for existing units is March 1, 2025). 3. Schedule and pass an annual internal and external property inspection conducted by HCDD.

1. Obtain a Rental Owner’s License from the HCDD by submitting an application and paying the required fee. 2. Register the specific STR dwelling unit by filing a registration form with HCDD (deadline for existing units is March 1, 2025). 3. Schedule and pass an annual internal and external property inspection conducted by HCDD.

Vrbo is permitted in Wicomico 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 Wicomico 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 Wicomico County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.