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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in District of Columbia County, DC

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted only with a valid basic business license endorsement ("Short-Term Rental" or "Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental"). Host must be a natural person and the property must be the host’s primary residence (homestead-eligible); vacation rentals (host not present) are limited to 90 nights per calendar year unless an exemption is granted. Additional constraints: minimum liability insurance requirement (statute: at least $500,000; DLCP guidance referenced $250,000), maximum occupancy of 8 transient guests (or 2 guests per bedroom, whichever is greater), requirement to provide a 24-hour emergency contact, retain booking records for 2 years, and listing must include the license endorsement number.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online through DLCP's Short-Term Rental Licensing portal (ShortTermRentals.dc.gov) and select the appropriate endorsement (Short-Term Rental or Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental). 2) Upload required documentation: evidence of primary residence/homestead eligibility, proof of liability insurance, a Certificate of Clean Hands from the Office of Tax and Revenue, and proof of HOA/condo permission if applicable. 3) Self-certify compliance with housing codes, pay the license fee, and post the license conspicuously on the property.

Official Resources

Official District of Columbia County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in District of Columbia County, DC?
Short-term rentals are permitted only with a valid basic business license endorsement ("Short-Term Rental" or "Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental"). Host must be a natural person and the property must be the host’s primary residence (homestead-eligible); vacation rentals (host not present) are limited to 90 nights per calendar year unless an exemption is granted. Additional constraints: minimum liability insurance requirement (statute: at least $500,000; DLCP guidance referenced $250,000), maximum occupancy of 8 transient guests (or 2 guests per bedroom, whichever is greater), requirement to provide a 24-hour emergency contact, retain booking records for 2 years, and listing must include the license endorsement number.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in District of Columbia County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in District of Columbia County. 1) Apply online through DLCP's Short-Term Rental Licensing portal (ShortTermRentals.dc.gov) and select the appropriate endorsement (Short-Term Rental or Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental). 2) Upload required documentation: evidence of primary residence/homestead eligibility, proof of liability insurance, a Certificate of Clean Hands from the Office of Tax and Revenue, and proof of HOA/condo permission if applicable. 3) Self-certify compliance with housing codes, pay the license fee, and post the license conspicuously on the property.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in District of Columbia County?
1) Apply online through DLCP's Short-Term Rental Licensing portal (ShortTermRentals.dc.gov) and select the appropriate endorsement (Short-Term Rental or Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental). 2) Upload required documentation: evidence of primary residence/homestead eligibility, proof of liability insurance, a Certificate of Clean Hands from the Office of Tax and Revenue, and proof of HOA/condo permission if applicable. 3) Self-certify compliance with housing codes, pay the license fee, and post the license conspicuously on the property.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction