Upper Marlboro, Maryland Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: STR Status in Upper Marlboro, MD

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Upper Marlboro, MD, but only within the framework established by Prince George's County regulations. Upper Marlboro is an unincorporated area within Prince George's County, and thus all short-term rental operations must comply with county-level rules administered by the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE). The county has established a comprehensive licensing program that permits both individual property owners (hosts) and online platforms to operate legally, provided they meet all requirements and obtain proper licenses.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Upper Marlboro?

Upper Marlboro hosts earn a median $17,964/year with $115 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $23,252+ per year.

See the full Upper Marlboro market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Upper Marlboro

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Before initiating the licensing process, ensure your property and business model align with all requirements:

Property Verification: Confirm the short-term rental property is your permanent residence by completing the Homestead Tax Credit Eligibility Application and process
HOA/Community Compliance: Check your homeowners association's regulations; if your HOA prohibits short-term rentals, you cannot participate in the program
Insurance Assessment: Secure liability insurance of at least $1,000,000
Property Status Check: Ensure no outstanding taxes, liens, or code violations exist on the property

Step 2: Safety Equipment Installation and Documentation

Install and document all required safety equipment:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install in all bedrooms or hallways outside bedrooms
Fire Extinguisher: Minimum size 2A:10BC, properly mounted in travel path to exit (not near stove, top no higher than 5 feet)
Floor Plan: Create and post a floor plan designating fire exits and escape routes in the interior
Waste Management: Provide two outdoor trash receptacles and one recycling receptacle

Step 3: Application Process

All Prince George's County rental licenses, including Short-Term Rental Licenses, are processed through the Momentum online system:

Visit the Momentum portal (momentumhome.princegeorgescountymd.gov)
Create an account if you don't have one (username is your email address)
Select "Short-Term Rental Owner Application" from the Permit/License menu
Complete the three-page application (required fields marked in red)
Pay applicable fees (non-refundable)
Receive temporary 90-day license to operate while application is reviewed
Print permanent license from dashboard after temporary period expires

Step 4: Post-License Requirements

Neighbor Notification: Submit "Short-Term Rental License Neighbor Notification" to adjacent properties (left, right, front, behind)
HOA Notification: Provide proof of intent to apply to your homeowners association
Local Contact: Designate a county-based emergency contact person
Platform Registration: List all platforms you intend to utilize
Training Completion: Complete Human Trafficking Training videos and quiz

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Licenses

Short-Term Rental License (Host)
- Issued through DPIE's Enforcement Division
- Administered under County Bill CB-11-2018
- Application processed online through Momentum system
- Fee schedule available in DPIE Fee Schedule PDF
Platform License (if applicable)
- Required for online booking platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
- Separate application process through Momentum system
- 30-day temporary license issued, converts to permanent license

Required Documentation

Safety and Compliance Documents

Photos of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all bedrooms/hallways
Photos of properly mounted fire extinguisher (minimum 2A:10BC)
Photos of posted floor plan with fire exits and escape routes
Proof of life safety devices being up to date and in good working order

Legal and Financial Documentation

Current and valid liability insurance certificate ($1,000,000 minimum)
Homestead Property Tax Credit approval documentation
Proof of property ownership attestation
Property tax and lien clearance documentation
Platform usage declaration

Notification Requirements

Neighbor notification form completion and submission
HOA notification proof (if applicable)
Emergency contact information posting
Rules posting by main entrance (as approved by Department per Section 7A-109(a))

Special Considerations

Lead Paint Compliance: If property built before 1978, additional Maryland Department of Environment requirements apply
Basement Usage: Prohibited for bedrooms/habitable space unless specifically authorized by DPIE
Construction Compliance: All construction, including secondary stoves, must be properly permitted
Human Trafficking Training: Required completion of video training and quiz

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Prince George's County)

Stay and Occupancy Limits

Maximum Stay: 30 consecutive days per booking
Annual Hosting Caps:
- Owner-occupied properties: Up to 180 days per year
- Non-owner-occupied properties: Up to 90 days per year
Occupancy Limits: Maximum 8 guests total, no more than 3 guests per bedroom

Operational Requirements

Primary Residence Requirement: Property must be host's permanent residence
Local Contact Requirement: County-based emergency contact must be designated and available
License Posting: License must be displayed inside the unit
Contact Information Posting: Emergency contact and departmental contact information must be posted
Platform Compliance: All hosting must occur through properly licensed platforms

Prohibited Activities

Operating without proper licensing
Exceeding annual hosting day limits
Hosting more than maximum occupancy
Using unauthorized sleeping areas (particularly basement bedrooms without authorization)
Failing to maintain required safety equipment

Municipal and State Regulations

Maryland State Requirements

Sales and Use Tax: 6% tax applies to short-term accommodations
Lead Paint Compliance: Properties built before 1978 require additional lead risk reduction measures
Business Registration: May be required depending on business structure

Local Zoning Compliance

Must comply with all applicable zoning regulations
Property use must align with residential zoning requirements
No commercial activities beyond short-term rental permitted

HOA and Community Restrictions

HOA Compliance: Must comply with homeowners association rules and restrictions
Community Bylaws: Must adhere to community-specific regulations
Notification Requirements: Proof of HOA notification required during application process

Enforcement and Penalties

License Revocation Grounds

Failure to resolve application issues
Operating without proper license
Violation of safety requirements
Exceeding occupancy or stay limits
HOA prohibition violations
Failure to maintain required insurance

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Administrative Citations: Monetary penalties for violations
License Denial: Permanent bar from program participation
License Revocation: Loss of ability to operate short-term rentals
Code Enforcement Action: Additional penalties for safety violations

Contact Information

Primary Authority

Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE)

Address: Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, 1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
Website: www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/permitting-inspections-and-enforcement
Contact Portal: dpie-cts-prod.powerappsportals.us/ (for questions)

Specific STR Licensing Contacts

Short-Term Rental Licensing

Administered By: DPIE's Enforcement Division
Online Application: Momentum Portal (momentumhome.princegeorgescountymd.gov)
Email Contact: Available through MyPGC.us/ContactDPIE portal
Phone: 3-1-1 (301-883-4748) for reporting illegal rentals

Additional Resources

Maryland Department of Environment

Lead Registration: mde.maryland.gov/programs/LAND/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/LeadRegistration.aspx
Website: mde.maryland.gov

Maryland Tax Administration

Sales and Use Tax Information: www.marylandtaxes.gov/business/sales-use/
Website: marylandtaxes.gov

Source Pages and Important Links

Primary Regulatory Sources

Supporting Resources

Legal References

State Compliance Resources

Tax Information

Important Note: This guide is based on current regulations as of the provided sources. Short-term rental regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with DPIE before making business decisions or commencing operations. Operating without proper licensing can result in permanent disqualification from the program and significant financial penalties.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Upper Marlboro

Upper Marlboro is a small historic town in Prince George's County, Maryland, and serves as the county seat. With a population of roughly 600 to 700 residents, it retains a quiet, small-town atmosphere that contrasts with the dense suburbs of the Washington, D.C., metro area that surround it. The town is best known for its 18th- and 19th-century architecture, its role as the seat of county government, and its position as a gateway to the more rural, agricultural southern reaches of Prince George's County, the Chesapeake Bay, and the state capital of Annapolis. It sits about 20 miles east-southeast of Washington, D.C., and roughly 25 miles northeast of Annapolis, making it a convenient stopover between urban, suburban, and waterfront destinations.

At the heart of the town is the Upper Marlboro Historic District, where colonial-era buildings, courthouse square, and a walkable main street give visitors a sense of Maryland's pre-Civil War past. The Prince George's County Courthouse anchors the downtown, and the surrounding blocks include locally owned restaurants, antique shops, and small businesses that reflect the community's civic identity. Visitors can wander on foot in a matter of minutes, and the area is often used for community events, farmers' markets, and seasonal festivals.

A short drive west of town brings travelers to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, a roughly 1,700-acre property managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The sanctuary is known for its managed grassland habitat that supports native wildlife, including bald eagles, wild turkeys, and a herd of resident American bison, along with several miles of easy hiking trails. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, family outings, and quiet walks, and lies only a few minutes from the town center.

South of Upper Marlboro lies Rosaryville State Park, a wooded park of nearly 1,000 acres offering more than 20 miles of marked trails used by hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The park is particularly popular with equestrians and is connected to a broader network of regional riding trails, giving it a distinctive rural character unusual for a park so close to the capital region. Roughly 15 to 20 minutes east, Patuxent River Park follows the shoreline of the Patuxent River as it widens toward the Chesapeake Bay, offering kayak launches, fishing piers, picnic areas, and a wild Maryland riverscape that draws visitors looking for a slower, water-oriented day trip.

Upper Marlboro makes a compelling base for short-term rentals because it offers a rare combination of small-town character, historic charm, and immediate access to the wider capital region. Guests can spend a morning on the courthouse square, an afternoon on the trails at Merkle or Rosaryville, and an evening in downtown D.C. or along the Annapolis waterfront, all without long drives or crowded hotel districts. For travelers who want the energy of the East Coast's most visited metropolitan corridor balanced with open space, river views, and small-town hospitality, Upper Marlboro offers an appealing and still under-the-radar alternative to the more familiar suburbs to the north and west.