BondPermit · Short-term rental rules

Short-term rental rules in Washington, DC

Compiled from the city's official pages — rules you must confirm before you list. Compiled August 2026; rules change, confirm each on the official site.

Washington, DC · rules you must confirm

Registration & tax

Compiled from the city's official pages. Links go to the official site where available — confirm each before you list.

Registration / license
Short-Term Rental OR Vacation Rental License (primary residence ONLY · must qualify for Homestead Deduction · STR = host PRESENT, no annual cap; Vacation Rental = whole-home/host ABSENT, ≤90 nights/yr · each stay ≤30 consecutive nights · license # required on every listing · $250K liability insurance · Certificate of Clean Hands (within 30 days))
Issued by DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) · Short-Term Rental Program · $99.00 for a two-year license (either license type)
Lodging / occupancy tax
Sales and Use Tax on Transient Accommodations (booking platforms collect/remit on the host's behalf; host must still register)
DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) · 15.95% (increased rate in effect Apr 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2027)
Base zoning

Check your exact address's zoning — live

Zoning is parcel-specific. We don't guess it on this page — check your exact address against the city's live GIS.

Check your address's live zoning →
Washington, DC · stay current

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Washington, DC · common questions

FAQ

Does Washington require short-term rentals to register?

The city lists a short-term-rental registration (Short-Term Rental OR Vacation Rental License (primary residence ONLY · must qualify for Homestead Deduction · STR = host PRESENT, no annual cap; Vacation Rental = whole-home/host ABSENT, ≤90 nights/yr · each stay ≤30 consecutive nights · license # required on every listing · $250K liability insurance · Certificate of Clean Hands (within 30 days))) on its official pages. Whether it applies to your specific listing depends on factors we don't verify — confirm directly with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) · Short-Term Rental Program. Informational only, not legal advice.

How much does Washington STR registration cost?

Published fee guidance: $99.00 for a two-year license (either license type). Fees change — confirm the current amount with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) · Short-Term Rental Program before you pay.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Washington?

The city lists Sales and Use Tax on Transient Accommodations (booking platforms collect/remit on the host's behalf; host must still register) (15.95% (increased rate in effect Apr 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2027)), administered by DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). Confirm current rates and how to register on the official tax page.

Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Washington?

That depends on the city's zoning and primary-residence rules, which we don't verify here — confirm with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) · Short-Term Rental Program and check your exact address's base zoning.

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