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Short-Term Residential Rentals

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Short-Term Residential Rentals

New! On October 10, 2017, the County Council adopted zoning text amendment (ZTA) 16-03,  and Bill 2-16 to define short-term residential rentals and to establish limited use standards and licensing regulations. The ZTA will become effective on July 1, 2018. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for licensing and enforcement; please direct questions to that agency.

 

Background

With the rise of the sharing economy, and the economic and social benefits to residents of sharing resources, short-term rental activity continues to grow. This increased activity has led the Montgomery County Council to work toward modifying short-term rental laws, and prompted an examination of parameters to regulate short-term rentals and establish a pathway to legalize this activity. Currently, the County’s Zoning Ordinance does not allow for short-term residential rentals of less than one month, unless the home has been approved for use as a Bed and Breakfast. Bed and Breakfasts are only allowed in detached houses, and they are subject to specific standards.

In May 2015, County Council enacted a bill (Expedited Bill 14-15) that requires short-term renters to pay the same tax required of hotel guests. In February 2016, the Council introduced proposed legislation (zoning text amendment ZTA 16-03) to allow short-term residential rentals under certain parameters. The ZTA was introduced in conjunction with Bill 2-16, which would update the licensing requirements for all transient housing, including a bed and breakfast.

The Planning Board suggested a different approach to ZTA 16-03, but advised the Council that very little time was provided for the community to discuss the issue (view the transmittal letter and staff report here). After holding a public hearing on ZTA 16-03 and Bill 2-16, the Council asked Planning Department Staff to reach out to the community and other stakeholders for feedback on short-term residential rental (STRR) agreements, such as Airbnb, Flipkey, Homeway, and VRBO, in order to help draft legislation affecting this use.  The Council has directed the Planning Department to research best practices across the country and reach out to County residents and stakeholders to provide opportunities for their input in establishing new regulations.

Some critics have noted that widespread conversion of residential housing to short-term rentals, when taken to extremes, could result in the loss of housing for permanent residents. The overall intent of any proposed legislation is to strike a balance in recognizing the demand for short-term tenancy of residential property, while minimizing negative impacts on the residential character of existing neighborhoods.

 

Past Meetings and Documents

Last Updated: May 31, 2022