STR rules by city / Washington, DC
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Washington, DC short-term-rental rules
Washington, DC requires all short-term and vacation rental properties to be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP); the property must be the owner's primary residence, and the two-year license costs $99.00.
What does Washington, DC require?
Washington, DC requires all short-term and vacation rental properties to be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP); the property must be the owner's primary residence, and the two-year license costs $99.00.
How much is the Washington permit fee?
$99.00 for a two-year license (applies to either the Short-Term Rental or Vacation Rental license).
How often do I renew?
Every two years. The license can be automatically renewed after two years by paying the required fee.
Does it have to be my primary residence?
Yes. The property must be the host's primary residence (eligible for the Homestead Tax Deduction). Investment properties and corporate-owned properties are not eligible.
What else should I know?
- Short-Term Rental = owner-occupied during the rental; Vacation Rental = owner not on premises during the rental.
- Investment properties and corporate-owned properties are not eligible.
- Failure to obtain a license results in enforcement action, including fines.
Source: DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Operating a Short-Term Rental in the District of Columbia. Verified as of July 5, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current requirement with your city before you submit.
Washington, DC short-term-rental permit questions
- Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Washington, DC?
- Washington, DC requires all short-term and vacation rental properties to be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP); the property must be the owner's primary residence, and the two-year license costs $99.00.
- How much does a Washington short-term-rental permit cost?
- $99.00 for a two-year license (applies to either the Short-Term Rental or Vacation Rental license).
- How often do I renew my Washington short-term-rental registration?
- Every two years. The license can be automatically renewed after two years by paying the required fee.
- Does my Washington short-term rental have to be my primary residence?
- Yes. The property must be the host's primary residence (eligible for the Homestead Tax Deduction). Investment properties and corporate-owned properties are not eligible.
Ready to register in Washington?
The $49 Permit Packet turns these rules into a pre-filled, submission-ready registration packet plus a renewal calendar, with every requirement cited to Washington's primary source. You review it, then submit it to the city.
Running more than one unit in Washington? Add Renewal Monitoring for $29/year and we'll watch each permit and email you ahead of every deadline.
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STRPermitKit is an independent document-preparation tool — not legal advice, not affiliated with Airbnb, Vrbo, or any city government; verify all requirements with your city.