Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington, DC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Washington, DC, but with restrictions. 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. 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 (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.

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