Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Hyattsville, MD? Yes, short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Hyattsville, MD. However, operating a legal STR is a two-step process that involves compliance with both the City of Hyattsville and Prince George's County regulations.

• City of Hyattsville: Requires a Single-Family Residential Rental License for all homeowners renting their property, including STRs.
• Prince George's County: Requires a separate Short-Term Rental License (Host or Platform) from the County's Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE).

It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure they are in compliance with both sets of rules. Operating without both licenses is illegal and can result in significant fines and penalties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hyattsville

To establish a compliant STR operation, follow these steps in sequence:

1. Obtain a City of Hyattsville Single-Family Residential Rental License.

   • Action: Submit an application to the City. The page indicates a form is available (City of Hyattsville Single-Family Residential Rental License).
   • Key Note: The City administers inspections and licensing for residential rental properties within its limits. An inspection will be conducted as part of the application process.

2. Obtain a Prince George's County Short-Term Rental License.

   • This is a mandatory step. The County's DPIE is the authority for STR licenses under County Bill CB-11-2018.
   • Process: All County STR licenses (Host/Owner and Platform) are processed online through the Momentum system. You can find the portal here.
   • Host/Owner Application: This is the primary license a homeowner needs to rent their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.
   • Temporary License: Upon submission and payment of the application, a 90-day temporary license is issued, allowing you to operate while your application is reviewed.

3. Prepare for County Inspection.

   • Ensure the property and all habitable spaces are in full compliance with all applicable codes (property maintenance, electrical, plumbing, building codes) before your application is submitted. A County inspection will be conducted before a permanent license is issued.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The following must be obtained and maintained:

City of Hyattsville Requirements:

• Single-Family Residential Rental License: The primary city-level license.
• City Inspection: A City inspection is required as part of the license application and renewal process. The City can be contacted at (301) 985-5032.

Prince George's County Requirements (via Momentum Portal): The County has extensive and specific requirements. All documents and proofs must be obtained prior to submitting the application, and all fees are non-refundable.

Mandatory Proofs & Photos:

1. Homestead Tax Credit Eligibility: Proof that the property is your permanent residence via the Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit Program.
2. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Photos: Photos showing detectors in all bedrooms or adjacent hallways, with location labels.
3. Fire Extinguisher Photo: Photo of a conspicuously located, properly charged fire extinguisher (minimum 2A:10BC) mounted in a travel path to an exit, not near a stove, and no higher than 5 feet, with location labels.
4. Floor Plan & Escape Routes Photo: Photo of a floor plan that designates fire exits and escape routes, posted inside the rental unit.

Mandatory Attestations:

• Current and valid liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000).
• Verification that the property's Homeowners Association (HOA) allows short-term rentals.
• Emergency contact information is conspicuously posted inside the unit.
• Off-street parking is available.
• A "Proof of Intent to Apply" neighbor notification form has been submitted to adjacent neighbors (front, back, left, right).
• A "Proof of Intent to Apply" form has been submitted to the HOA (if applicable).
• A list of all intended booking platforms is provided.
• County-approved guest rules are posted at the main entrance.
• Completion of Human Trafficking Training videos and quiz.
• The property has no outstanding taxes or liens, and no code violations.
• The property has two (2) outdoor trash receptacles and one (1) recycling receptacle.
• Attestation that all life-safety devices are up-to-date and will be maintained.
• Basements: Basements or portions of basements cannot be used as bedrooms or habitable space without explicit authorization from DPIE.
• Attestation of property ownership.

State of Maryland Environmental Requirements:

• The County advises reviewing and complying with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) rental requirements, particularly related to lead paint. A compliance checklist is provided.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Hyattsville:

• Licensing & Inspections: The City is responsible for inspecting and licensing single-family rental properties, including STRs. Renewals are annual for single-family homes.
• Good Neighbor Policy: The City provides a Residential Good Neighbor Guide and Dwelling Unit Requirements to help owners maintain standards.
• Violation & Enforcement: The City can issue violation notices for code issues. Chronic failures can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 for a first offense and $200 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

Prince George's County:

• Governing Authority: The County's Short-Term Rentals Program, under County Bill CB-11-2018, governs the licensing of all STRs within the County, including within the City of Hyattsville.
• License Term: The Short-Term Rental License (Host) expires one year from the date of issuance.
• Mandatory Reporting: Platforms (e.g., Airbnb) are also required to be licensed and must comply with reporting requirements.

State of Maryland:

• Lead Paint Law: The State enforces strict lead paint disclosure and abatement requirements for rental properties built before 1978. STRs are not exempt from these laws.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Hyattsville (Code Compliance & Licensing)

• General Code Compliance: (301) 985-5032 or codecompliance@hyattsville.org
• Single-Family Rentals Supervisor: CJ Reading, (301) 985-5016, creading@hyattsville.org
• Permits and Licensing Supervisor: Christine Redman, (301) 985-5014. (Email contact form available on the City website).
• Licensing Clerk: Camri Smith-Matthews, (240) 487-1715. (Email contact form available on the City website).
• City Main Number: (301) 985-5000
• City Website: www.hyattsville.org

Prince George's County (DPIE)

• Online Application: Momentum Portal
• Contact for Licensing Questions: Via the County's contact portal MyPGC.us/ContactDPIE.
• To Report an Illegal STR: PGC311 at 3-1-1 or (301) 883-4748.

Source Pages

• City of Hyattsville - Residential & Short-term Rentals: https://www.hyattsville.org/895/Residential-Short-term-Rentals
• City of Hyattsville - Inspections (Business & Residential): https://www.hyattsville.org/892/Inspections-Business-Residential
• Prince George's County - Short-Term Rental Licensing: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/permitting-inspections-and-enforcement/licensing/rental-housing-licenses/short-term-rental-licensing
• Momentum Online Permit Services (County): https://momentumhome.princegeorgescountymd.gov/
• Prince George's County STR Application Portal (County): https://dpiepermits.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ (Referenced by the City).
• Prince George's County - County Bill CB-11-2018 (Short-Term Rentals): https://pgcar.com/membersonly/regs/pdf/CB-11-2018-Short-Term-Rentals-Prince-Georges-Bill.pdf