Can I Airbnb in Washington, DC? (2026)

Short-term rentals are legal in Washington, DC only at the host's primary residence (the property must qualify for the Homestead Deduction), and hosts must hold a Basic Business License with a 'Short-Term Rental' endorsement (host present) or 'Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental' endorsement (host absent), which costs $99 for a two-year license. The biggest restriction: un-hosted vacation rentals are capped at 90 nights per calendar year, DLCP issues only one STR license per host, and guests pay a 15.95% transient accommodations tax that platforms like Airbnb collect and remit. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

What’s required: a Basic Business License with 'Short-Term Rental' endorsement (host present) or 'Short-Term Rental: Vacation Rental' endorsement (host absent) ($99) is required; rentals are limited to your primary residence; there is a 90-night annual cap; occupancy taxes apply; renew biennial.