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.

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:

1. Visit the Momentum portal (momentumhome.princegeorgescountymd.gov)
2. Create an account if you don't have one (username is your email address)
3. Select "Short-Term Rental Owner Application" from the Permit/License menu
4. Complete the three-page application (required fields marked in red)
5. Pay applicable fees (non-refundable)
6. Receive temporary 90-day license to operate while application is reviewed
7. 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

1. 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

2. 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

• Prince George's County STR Licensing
• County Bill CB-11-2018 (STR Regulations)
• Momentum Online Portal

Supporting Resources

• DPIE Fee Schedule
• Short-Term Rentals FAQs
• STR Checklist
• Neighbor Notification Form
• HOA Notification Form

Legal References

• Prince George's County Code - Short-Term Rentals
• Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit Program

State Compliance Resources

• Maryland Lead Law Compliance Checklist
• Maryland's Lead Law Fact Sheets 2022

Tax Information

• Maryland Sales & Use Tax
• Airbnb Tax Collection Summary

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.