Washington, DC Short-Term rental laws in 2024
Homeowners in Washington, DC have an incredible opportunity to earn additional income by renting out their homes on a short-term basis. With the District being home to many major employers, federal agencies, popular events, and cultural institutions, there is a consistent demand for short-term rentals in the city!
If you are a current or prospective homeowner in DC that wants to supplement your income by renting out your home on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, it's important to familiarize yourself with the latest short-term rental and vacation rental licensing requirements.
Download the Short-Term rental guide here!
Get the 2023 Short-term rental guide for Washington, DC to discover the most in-demand neighborhoods for short-term rentals across the city receive insider updates on the local real estate market.
When is a short-term rental license required in Washington, DC?
In Washington, DC, hosted stays (i.e. owner-occupied during the rental period) of 30 days or less are designated as short-term rentals. These stays require a short-term rental license
When is a vacation rental license required in Washington, DC?
Non-hosted stays (i.e. no owner present during rental period) of 30 days or less are designated as vacation rentals. The license required for non-hosted stays is called a vacation rental license.
What limitations are there on short-term rental and vacation rental properties in Washington, DC?
- Property must be your primary residence
- You may only use one property as a short term rental
- 8 adults maximum per stay
- 2 adults maximum per bedroom
- An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) may be used for short-term rentals
- There is no limit to the number of hosted stays (short-term rentals) per year
- Vacation rentals (Non-hosted stays) are limited to 90 days per year. *
*Exemptions to the 90-night limit are allowed if your employer or spouse’s employer requires work outside of DC for more than 90 total days per calendar year, or, for travel to receive medical treatment or to care for a family member receiving medical treatment for >90 days per calendar year. View the Vacation Rental Exemption Application
How do you apply for a short-term rental license or vacation rental license in Washington, DC?
- Create an account on Access DC.
- Have proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $250,000 in coverage. This may be obtained via rental platform or insurance company.
- Obtain a Certificate of Clean hands issued within 30 days of application date.
- Complete the Short-Term/Vacation Rental Attestation form if the property is located in an HOA, Condo building, or Co-op.
- Complete the online application including $104.50 fee for a 2-year license.
More details at: https://dlcp.dc.gov/shorttermrentals
Which taxes and fees apply to short-term rentals and vacation rentals in Washington, DC?
Transient lodging taxes of 15.95% must be collected by rental platforms (i.e. Airbnb, etc.) or homeowners and remitted to the Office of Tax and Revenue.
Both short-term rentals and vacation rentals require a $104.50 license fee for a 2-year license. You must apply for both if you plan to rent your home as a short-term rental and a vacation rental.
For more detailed information on locality requirements, download the free short-term rental guide.