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Is Airbnb legal in Washington, District of Columbia?

Investor whole-home rentals are effectively banned. DC licenses short-term rentals only at the host's primary residence, so an investor who does not live in the unit cannot get a license. A 2026 bill would let DC residents license one second property for up to 90 nights a year, but its status as law was unconfirmed as of early October 2026. Stays are capped at 30 consecutive nights and the transient tax is 15.95%.

Showing the researched rules for Washington, DC below. Type your Washington address to jump to the verdict.

Not allowed

Investor whole-home rentals are effectively banned

DC licenses short-term rentals only at the host's primary residence, so an investor who does not live in the unit cannot get a license. A 2026 bill would let DC residents license one second property for up to 90 nights a year, but its status as law was unconfirmed as of early October 2026. Stays are capped at 30 consecutive nights and the transient tax is 15.95%.

Permit and costs

Permit
Short-Term Rental License (two-year)
Issued by
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Cost
$104.50 application (reported in city guidance, verify current)
Renewal
Every two years

Key limits

Primary residence
required; investor units do not qualify
Stay cap
30 consecutive nights max
Insurance
$250,000 minimum liability required
Second property
90 nights/year only if 2026 amendment passes

Taxes

DC transient tax
15.95% (through Sept 30, 2027)

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Check the 2026 bill status
    Confirm whether the Short-Term Rental Regulation Amendment Act became law before underwriting any investor deal.
  2. 2
    Confirm primary residence
    DC Code requires the rental be the host's primary residence, which rules out pure investors today.
  3. 3
    Apply through DLCP
    Licensed hosts apply via the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection with proof of residency and insurance.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
If the property has an HOA, DC requires proof the association allows short-term rentals.
Proposed 2026 amendment
A bill would add Primary, Secondary, and Special Event license categories, including a 90-night second-property path for DC residents.

Sources

Mayor Bowser STR legislation announcement · DC STR regulations guide

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.