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Occupancy restriction

Restrictions on the number of guests allowed

Length of Stay
30 days or less
Registration & Licensing Fees
A recurring fee of $104.50
Licenses or Permits Required
Yes, a license or permit is required
Property Inspection
Yes, inspections are required, and they are recurring.
Guest Record
Yes (2 years)
Zoning

In Washington DC, residential properties in DC are classified into several zoning categories, such as R-1-A, R-1-B, R-2, and R-3, among others. Each zoning category has different regulations.

In R-1-A and R-1-B zones, which include single-family residential areas, short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days are only permitted if the host is present on the property during the rental period. In R-2 zones, which include row houses and some multi-family residential areas, short-term rentals are allowed without the host present, but are limited to 90 days per calendar year for properties that are not the host's primary residence. In R-3 and R-4 zones, which include apartment buildings and some mixed-use areas, short-term rentals are allowed without the host present, but are limited to 30 days per calendar year for properties that are not the host's primary residence.

Occupancy taxes and fees

A combined tax of 14.95%

Insurance requirement

Yes (minimum of $250,000)

Does any Building, Health & Safety Regulation affects STR?

Yes, there are regulations for STR

Parking Requirement

Adequate parking must be provided for guests

Advertising Requirement

Yes, a license number is required for advertisement

Noise regulation

Yes, (10pm - 7am)

Neighbor Notification

Hosts are not required to notify neighbors

Limitation on number of STR owned

No, there are no limitations

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

No, there are no specific regulations on hosting events or parties.

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

No, there are no specific regulations on hosting events or parties.

Hosting events regulations
Restrictions on number of reservations

Yes, (90 nights per year)

Waste disposal regulations

Yes, there are specific waste disposal regulations

Accessibility Requirement

Yes, there are accessibility requirements

waste disposal regulations
Waste disposal regulations

Yes, there are specific waste disposal regulations

Emergency Contact Information

Yes, it is required

What is short term rental?

In Washington, DC, a rental property that is available for a period of less than 30 consecutive days is referred to as a short-term rental.

Are there STR regulations that affect property owners?

Yes, there are a number of STR laws that apply to property owners in Washington, DC.

Is there any short-term rental-related tax?

Yes, there are short-term rental (STR) related taxes in Washington DC.

Is it only individuals that are permitted to operate short-term rental?

Yes, individuals are permitted to operate short-term rental businesses in Washington DC, but they must comply with local regulations.

What are the procedures and requirement for the neighborhood approval?

There are no requirements..

Do I need a neighborhood approval?

No, any district neighborhood or zone may have short-term rentals as long as the host possesses STR license.

Building, Health & Safety Regulation
Which of these taxes does Airbnb or other booking company collect?
What zoning laws affect Short Term Rentals?

In Washington DC, residential properties in DC are classified into several zoning categories, such as R-1-A, R-1-B, R-2, and R-3, among others. Each zoning category has different regulations.

In R-1-A and R-1-B zones, which include single-family residential areas, short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days are only permitted if the host is present on the property during the rental period. In R-2 zones, which include row houses and some multi-family residential areas, short-term rentals are allowed without the host present, but are limited to 90 days per calendar year for properties that are not the host's primary residence. In R-3 and R-4 zones, which include apartment buildings and some mixed-use areas, short-term rentals are allowed without the host present, but are limited to 30 days per calendar year for properties that are not the host's primary residence.

Is there any guest record requirement?

Yes, there are short-term rental (STR) related taxes in Washington DC.

Do i require any license(s) for STR?

Yes, license is required for STR.

Which tax(es) am i obligated to collect and remit?

Short-term rental hosts in Washington DC are required to collect and remit two types of taxes on behalf of their guests: the transient occupancy tax and the hotel assessment tax.

The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on lodging paid by guests who stay in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments in DC. The current rate for the TOT is 14.8%, which includes a 10% tax on lodging and a 4.8% sales tax. Hosts of short-term rentals are required to collect and remit the TOT on the gross receipts received from their guests.

The Hotel Assessment Tax (HAT) is a separate tax that funds the DC Convention and Tourism Corporation. The current rate for the HAT is 0.25% of the gross receipts received from guests. Like the TOT, hosts of short-term rentals are required to collect and remit the HAT on the gross receipts received from their guests.

Hosts must collect these taxes from guests and remit them to the DC Office of Tax and Revenue on a regular basis, typically monthly or quarterly. The DC Office of Tax and Revenue(<https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/>) provides instructions on how to register for an account, file tax returns, and remit taxes.

For example, hosts who earn income from short-term rentals are required to report this income on their federal and state income tax returns. Additionally, hosts who own the property they are renting out may be subject to property taxes in Washington DC.

Which tax(es) am i obligated to collect and remit?

Short-term rental hosts in Washington DC are required to collect and remit two types of taxes on behalf of their guests: the transient occupancy tax and the hotel assessment tax.

The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on lodging paid by guests who stay in hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments in DC. The current rate for the TOT is 14.8%, which includes a 10% tax on lodging and a 4.8% sales tax. Hosts of short-term rentals are required to collect and remit the TOT on the gross receipts received from their guests.

The Hotel Assessment Tax (HAT) is a separate tax that funds the DC Convention and Tourism Corporation. The current rate for the HAT is 0.25% of the gross receipts received from guests. Like the TOT, hosts of short-term rentals are required to collect and remit the HAT on the gross receipts received from their guests.

Hosts must collect these taxes from guests and remit them to the DC Office of Tax and Revenue on a regular basis, typically monthly or quarterly. The DC Office of Tax and Revenue(<https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/>) provides instructions on how to register for an account, file tax returns, and remit taxes.

For example, hosts who earn income from short-term rentals are required to report this income on their federal and state income tax returns. Additionally, hosts who own the property they are renting out may be subject to property taxes in Washington DC.

Tax
What ZIP Codes have been prohibited for STR use?

In Washington, there are no specific jurisdictions that are exempted from the short-term rental regulations.

What types of properties are eligible for short-term rentals?

Residential and commercial properties, accessory dwelling unit, boats, yatchs, R-1-A, R-1-B, R-2, and R-3

Does occupancy limit affect STR?

Yes, there are occupancy limits for STRs.

What STR regulations affect me as an Owner?

1. Licensing and Permitting: Property owners who wish to operate a short-term rental business in Washington DC must obtain a Basic Business License and a Short-term Rental Permit from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).

2. Taxes: Property owners are required to collect and remit sales and lodging taxes to the DC Office of Tax and Revenue for each short-term rental transaction.

3. Zoning Regulations: Property owners must ensure that their properties are located in areas where short-term rentals are permitted and comply with any relevant zoning laws.

4. Safety and Health Regulations: Property owners must comply with safety and health regulations in Washington DC, which may include requirements for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.

5. Insurance: Property owners are advised to obtain adequate insurance coverage for their short-term rental properties, which may include liability insurance, property insurance, and renters' insurance.

What are the procedures or requirements for keeping the guest records?

The total fee for Vacation Rental License is $104.50. Proof of insurance $ 250,000, local agent available 24/7, pay required taxes, and keep a record for at least 2 years.

General requirements for obtaining a BBL in Washington DC include:

register with Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, register with Office of Tax and Revenue, Obtain Liability Insurance.

Notification
What are the occupancy limits for STR?

2 guests allowed per bedroom and 10 guests allowed in single family unit which is home or apartment.

What other STR regulations am i obligated to observe?

Buildng must have smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detector and property insurance.

What are the penalties and fines for non compliance?

Fine for operating STR without license is $2000, violating safety requirement and noise. nuisance laws cost $500 and tax violation costs $10,000.

Is there any official regulatory body or authority?

Yes, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) of the District of Columbia serves as the main regulatory authority for the city's short-term rental.

How can i contact the authority?

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs

Headquarters: 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington DC 20024

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Thursday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Phone: (202) 442-4400

Email: dcra@dc.gov

Website: http://www.dcra.dc.gov

Which jurisdictions are exempted from the regulations?

No, at present no jurisdictions are exempted from STR.

What are the requirements and fees for the permit (s)?

The total fee for Vacation Rental License is $104.50. Proof of insurance $ 250,000, local agent available 24/7, pay required taxes, and keep a record for at least 2 years.

General requirements for obtaining a BBL in Washington DC include:

register with Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, register with Office of Tax and Revenue, Obtain Liability Insurance.

Basic Information
Occupancy restriction

Restrictions on the number of guests allowed

Length of Stay
30 days or less
Registration & Licensing Fees
A recurring fee of $104.50
Licenses or Permits Required
Yes, a license or permit is required
Property Inspection
Yes, inspections are required, and they are recurring.
Guest Record
Yes (2 years)
Zoning

In Washington DC, residential properties in DC are classified into several zoning categories, such as R-1-A, R-1-B, R-2, and R-3, among others. Each zoning category has different regulations.

In R-1-A and R-1-B zones, which include single-family residential areas, short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days are only permitted if the host is present on the property during the rental period. In R-2 zones, which include row houses and some multi-family residential areas, short-term rentals are allowed without the host present, but are limited to 90 days per calendar year for properties that are not the host's primary residence. In R-3 and R-4 zones, which include apartment buildings and some mixed-use areas, short-term rentals are allowed without the host present, but are limited to 30 days per calendar year for properties that are not the host's primary residence.

Occupancy taxes and fees

A combined tax of 14.95%

Insurance requirement

Yes (minimum of $250,000)

Does any Building, Health & Safety Regulation affects STR?

Yes, there are regulations for STR

Parking Requirement

Adequate parking must be provided for guests

Advertising Requirement

Yes, a license number is required for advertisement

Noise regulation

Yes, (10pm - 7am)

Neighbor Notification

Hosts are not required to notify neighbors

Limitation on number of STR owned

No, there are no limitations

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

No, there are no specific regulations on hosting events or parties.

Regulations on hosting events or parties in STR

No, there are no specific regulations on hosting events or parties.

Hosting events regulations
Restrictions on number of reservations

Yes, (90 nights per year)

Waste disposal regulations

Yes, there are specific waste disposal regulations

Accessibility Requirement

Yes, there are accessibility requirements

waste disposal regulations
Waste disposal regulations

Yes, there are specific waste disposal regulations

Emergency Contact Information

Yes, it is required

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Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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