Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington, DC

Short-term rentals (host present) and vacation rentals (host absent) are permitted only where the host is a natural person and the property is the host’s primary residence. Vacation rentals (entire-home, host absent) are limited to 90 cumulative nights per calendar year unless an exemption is granted; each stay is limited to 30 continuous nights. Hosts must maintain liability insurance (DLCP guidance states minimum $250,000), provide a 24-hour emergency contact, post the license conspicuously, self-certify compliance with housing/property maintenance codes, retain booking records for 2 years, and investment or corporate-owned properties are ineligible.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Washington. 1) Create/Sign-in to an AccessDC account and register at the District’s Short-Term Rental Licensing Portal (https://shorttermrentals.dc.gov/) and link the rental address. 2) Complete the Short-Term or Vacation Rental license endorsement application, upload a Certificate of Clean Hands (issued within 30 days), proof of required liability insurance, any HOA/association attestation if applicable, pay the licensing fee, and self-certify housing code compliance. 3) No pre-issuance housing inspection required (applicant self-certifies); after issuance maintain posted license and records; apply for vacation-rental exemptions via the portal if seeking more than 90 nights.

1) Create/Sign-in to an AccessDC account and register at the District’s Short-Term Rental Licensing Portal (https://shorttermrentals.dc.gov/) and link the rental address. 2) Complete the Short-Term or Vacation Rental license endorsement application, upload a Certificate of Clean Hands (issued within 30 days), proof of required liability insurance, any HOA/association attestation if applicable, pay the licensing fee, and self-certify housing code compliance. 3) No pre-issuance housing inspection required (applicant self-certifies); after issuance maintain posted license and records; apply for vacation-rental exemptions via the portal if seeking more than 90 nights.