Overview: STR Status in Chase, MD

Short-term rentals are allowed in Chase, MD. Unlike several neighboring municipalities within Montgomery County (such as Chevy Chase Village, Town of Chevy Chase, Town of Chevy Chase View, City of Gaithersburg, City of Rockville, Town of Kensington, Town of Laytonsville, Town of Poolesville, Town of Somerset, Town of Washington Grove, and Town of Garrett Park), Chase operates under Montgomery County's unified short-term rental regulations. This means investors can legally operate short-term rentals in Chase, subject to county licensing requirements and ongoing compliance obligations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Chase, MD

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility and Compliance

Before proceeding, ensure your property meets all eligibility requirements:

• Confirm the property is zoned for residential use
• Verify no homeowners association (HOA) or condominium documents prohibit short-term rentals
• Ensure the property is not an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), as these cannot be operated as short-term rentals
• Confirm you are the property owner seeking to rent habitable living space

Step 2: Register for Maryland Tax ID

All short-term rental operators must obtain an 8-digit Tax ID number by registering as a business with Maryland Tax Connect. This is required before applying for your STR license.

Key Requirements:

• Tax ID registration is mandatory for all STR operators
• The Tax ID must be validated through Maryland's tax system
• Contact for sales and use tax ID assistance: 410-260-7980 or [email protected]

Step 3: Submit License Application

Apply online through the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) using the Rental License Application Process Guide. Applications typically take 30-60 days for approval.

Step 4: Neighbor Notification

After applying, you must inform your neighbors of your intent to operate a short-term rental. Residents have the right to challenge your license application by calling 240-777-0311. If challenged, you'll be notified and given opportunity to submit a rebuttal.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary License Requirements

1. Short-Term Residential Rental License ($500)

   • Valid for one year
   • Non-refundable application fee
   • Covers residential properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days

2. Maryland Tax ID

   • 8-digit business registration number
   • Required for all STR operations

3. Property Documentation

   • Proof of ownership
   • HOA/condominium documents (if applicable)
   • Rental lease documentation (if renting the property)

Additional Requirements for Bed & Breakfast Operations

If operating as a bed and breakfast ($150 license fee), you must also obtain:

• Permit of Occupancy through the Department of Permitting Services (DPS)
• Food Service License from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHHS) if serving hot meals

Compliance Standards

• Must comply with Montgomery County Housing and Building Code Enforcement standards
• Subject to DHCA Housing Code inspections
• Must adhere to noise ordinances and nuisance regulations
• Required to follow state and local health regulations (for B&Bs)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Montgomery County Code Requirements

Operational Standards:

• Rental period: Less than 30 consecutive days
• Property types allowed: Rooms, apartments, detached single-family homes, townhouses, condominiums
• Hosting limit: Must be primary residence for vacation rentals
• Occupancy: No specific limits mentioned in provided documents

Prohibited Activities:

• Operating without current license
• Advertising unlicensed properties
• Violating HOA/condominium restrictions
• Creating nuisances (noise, disturbances)
• Operating dangerous properties that threaten health and safety

License Enforcement and Penalties

Operating Violations:

• Operating without license: Immediate discontinuation required, DHCA will issue violation notices
• Code violations: Housing code enforcement inspector will investigate and issue notices of violation or civil citations
• Nuisance activities: Subject to license suspension or revocation

License Actions:

• Denial: Failure to provide required information, fees, or meet STR requirements; license revoked within previous 36 months; successful challenge within 30 days of application
• Suspension/Revocation: Operating in manner dangerous to health/safety; creating nuisances; violating Montgomery County Code; criminal convictions under Maryland Criminal Law Article
• Post-Revocation: 3-year prohibition on reapplying for STR or B&B license

Neighbor Challenge Process

Residents can challenge license applications by calling 240-777-0311. Challenges must be filed within 30 days of the application date. Applicants receive notification and opportunity to submit rebuttals.

Appeal Process

License holders can appeal DHCA decisions to suspend or revoke licenses by submitting appeals to the Board of Appeals within 30 days of DHCA's decision.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Licensing Authority

Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA)

• Phone: 240-777-0311 (MC311 - for general inquiries and complaints)
• Website: DHCA Short-Term Rental Information
• Application Portal: Rental License Application Process Guide
• FAQ: Short-Term Rental FAQ

Additional Support Contacts

Maryland Tax ID Registration:

• Phone: 410-260-7980
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Maryland Tax Connect

Code Enforcement and Inspections:

• Phone: 240-777-0311 (MC311)
• Website: DHCA Housing Code Enforcement

Noise and Nuisance Complaints:

• Phone: 240-777-0311 (MC311 - during business hours)
• Police Non-Emergency: 301-270-8000 (outside business hours)
• Emergency: 911

Permitting Services (for B&Bs):

• Website: Department of Permitting Services

Health and Human Services (for B&Bs with food service):

• Website: Food Service Facility Licensing

Board of Appeals:

• Website: Montgomery County Board of Appeals

Source Links

1. Montgomery County DHCA Short-Term Rental FAQ
2. Montgomery County Code Chapter 54 - Transient Lodging
3. Montgomery County Code Section 54-43 - Application for License
4. Montgomery County Code Section 54-46 - Challenge to Applications
5. Montgomery County Code Section 54-48 - Appeals
6. DHCA Rental License Application Process Guide
7. Maryland Tax Connect - Business Registration
8. Montgomery County Board of Appeals
9. DHCA Housing Code Enforcement Handbook (English)
10. Montgomery County Short-Term Rental Complaint Portal

This guide provides comprehensive information for investors considering short-term rental investments in Chase, MD. While the regulatory environment is favorable for STR operations in Chase (unlike some neighboring municipalities), operators must maintain strict compliance with Montgomery County regulations to avoid license suspension or revocation.