Short-Term Rental Guide: Chevy Chase, MD and Montgomery County, MD

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Chevy Chase, MD?

No, short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in Chevy Chase, MD. This includes all three Chevy Chase municipalities:

• Chevy Chase Village
• Town of Chevy Chase
• Town of Chevy Chase View

According to Montgomery County regulations, the county's short-term rental laws do not apply to properties located within these municipalities. Instead, properties in these areas are subject to their own local zoning regulations, which prohibit short-term rental operations.

For Chevy Chase residents: If your property is located in any of these three municipalities, you should not apply for a Montgomery County short-term rental license. You must comply with your local municipal regulations, which currently prohibit short-term rental operations.

Montgomery County STR Regulations (For Properties Outside of Exempt Municipalities)

For properties located in unincorporated Montgomery County or other non-exempt areas, the following regulations apply:

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Confirm your property is NOT in an exempt municipality (Chevy Chase Village, Town of Chevy Chase, Town of Chevy Chase View, or other exempt areas)
• Ensure the property is your primary residence
• Verify your homeowners association/condominium documents allow short-term rentals

Step 2: Obtain Required IDs and Tax Registration

• Apply for Maryland State Sales & Use Tax ID
• Register for Montgomery County's Room Rental-Transient Tax account

Step 3: Apply for Short-Term Rental License

• Submit online application through Montgomery County's licensing system
• Pay required licensing fee
• Complete neighbor notification process

Step 4: Ongoing Compliance

• Maintain valid license and renew annually
• Collect and remit required taxes
• Comply with all operational requirements

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Essential Requirements:

1. Maryland State Sales & Use Tax ID (8-digit number)

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

2. Montgomery County Room Rental-Transient Tax Registration

   • Register online through county tax portal
   • Required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer
   • 7% tax rate on total room rental charges

3. Short-Term Residential Rental License

   • Annual license valid for 12 months
   • Application submitted online
   • Non-refundable application fee

4. Neighbor Notification Documentation

   • Notify abutting and confronting neighbors (single-family/attached units)
   • Notify neighbors sharing walls, floors, or ceilings (multi-unit buildings)
   • Document notification completion

Additional Requirements for Bed & Breakfast Operations:

• Permit of occupancy through Department of Permitting Services (DPS)
• Food service license from Health and Human Services if serving hot meals
• Compliance with state and local health regulations

Specific Regulations

Operational Requirements:

• Primary Residence Requirement: STR must be your primary residence
• Property Limit: Only one property per person can be licensed as STR
• Occupancy Limits:
  • Maximum 6 adult overnight guests per property
  • Maximum 2 adult overnight guests per bedroom
• Rental Duration: Properties may be rented for less than 30 consecutive days
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals

Important Restrictions:

• Non-hosted stays: Limited to 20 days per year when owner is not present
• HOA/Condo Compliance: Must not be prohibited by homeowners association or condominium documents
• License Display: License number must be included on all rental advertisements

License Management:

• Validity: Licenses valid for 12 months from issuance date
• Renewal: Required annually with same application process
• Processing Time: 30-60 days for approval/denial
• Application Challenges: Neighbors may challenge applications within 30 days

Tax Requirements

Room Rental-Transient Tax:

• Rate: 7% of total room rental collected (including platform fees)
• Filing: Monthly returns due on last day of each month
• Requirement: Must file even if no tax due
• Payment Responsibility: Host remains liable even if platform collects and remits

Maryland State Sales & Use Tax:

• Required for all STR operators
• Register through Maryland Tax Connect
• Additional state tax obligations may apply

Penalties and Enforcement

Operating Without License:

• Must discontinue all advertising immediately
• Cancel existing reservations
• DHCA will issue notices of violation

License Violations:

• License may be suspended or revoked for:
  • Operating in manner dangerous to health/safety
  • Creating nuisance through noise or other activity
  • Violating Montgomery County Code Chapter 54
  • Criminal convictions under Maryland Criminal Law Article
• Appeal Process: Appeals filed with Montgomery County Board of Appeals within 30 days
• Reapplication Restriction: Properties with revoked licenses cannot be re-licensed for 3 years

Safety and Compliance Requirements

Property Standards:

• Functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Operational sanitation facilities (bathrooms, kitchens)
• Posted house rules and emergency contact information
• Compliance with housing codes and safety standards

Inspections and Enforcement:

• DHCA Housing Code Enforcement Division investigates complaints
• Inspectors may issue notices of violation and civil citations
• Complaint reporting through MC311 (240-777-0311)

Contact Information

Primary Contacts:

Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA)

• Short-Term Rental Licensing
• Website: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca/housing/licensing/short-term-rental.html
• Phone: 240-777-0311 (MC311)

Maryland State Tax Administration

• Sales & Use Tax ID Registration
• Phone: 410-260-7980
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: mdtaxconnect.gov/

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

• Noise Complaint Investigation
• Contact through MC311: 240-777-0311

Montgomery County Police Department

• Non-emergency criminal activity: 301-270-8000
• Emergencies: 911

Montgomery County Board of Appeals

• License Appeals
• Website: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/boa/

Important Notes for Chevy Chase Residents

If your property is located in Chevy Chase Village, Town of Chevy Chase, or Town of Chevy Chase View:

1. Do not apply for Montgomery County STR licenses
2. Contact your local municipal government for applicable regulations
3. Current county regulations indicate STRs are prohibited in these areas
4. Local zoning laws supersede county regulations for properties within municipal boundaries

Source Links

• Montgomery County DHCA Short-Term Rental FAQ: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca/housing/licensing/short-term-rental-FAQ.html
• Montgomery County HHS Short-Term Rental Information: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/LandR/ShortTermResidentialRental.html
• Airbnb Montgomery County Guide: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3840
• Javshomes Montgomery County STR Guide: javshomes.com/investing/2023-montgomery-county-short-term-rental-regulations/
• Montgomery County Code Chapter 54: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/montgomerycounty/latest/montgomeryco_md/0-0-0-153578

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with local authorities and legal professionals for the most current regulations and compliance requirements.