What should Dover hosts know about strict 30-day annual cap makes?

Strict 30-day annual cap makes full-time STR investment impossible.

Are there rental limits in Dover?

Non-residents are strictly prohibited from operating STRs within city limits.

What should Dover hosts know about the city requires a safety?

The city requires a safety inspection for the first permit and potentially every renewal.

Are there rental limits in Dover?

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Dover, DE Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permit Requiremen…

Baseline Verification

100%

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Verified: Feb 8, 2026

Summary

Dover restricts short-term rentals to an owner's primary residence for a maximum of 30 days per year.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Strict night cap: 30 nights/year
•Standard permit fee: $200
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required

In Plain English

To operate an Airbnb or Vrbo in Dover, you must be a legal resident of the city and the property must be your primary home. You are limited to renting the home for no more than 30 total days per calendar year, and you must obtain an annual permit and pass a safety inspection.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

30/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.0%

Permit Fee

$200

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Dover does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Dover: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Dover: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(10)

•Dover requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short Term Rental Use License". Apply through Department of Planning and Inspections. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Dover: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Dover STR warning: Strict 30-day annual cap makes full-time STR investment impossible.

Application Process(8)

•Dover extended permit requirement: Appendix F: Fees and Fines specifies the exact current fee amount.
•Dover: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Rental Dwelling Permit Application, Proof of Insurance, Proof of Residency (Voting eligibility), Floor Plan.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Dover charges a registration fee of $200 (annual).

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Dover occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom, with a maximum of 12 total occupants. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Dover: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Dover limits STRs to 30 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
•Dover limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Dover requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Access to a full bath, Annual life safety inspection, Good Neighbor Brochure must be provided.
•Dover: The city requires a safety inspection for the first permit and potentially every renewal.

Penalties(2)

•Dover enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies per Appendix F. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: License suspension. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Dover: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Dover: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Dover exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Bed and breakfast inns, Lodging houses.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Delaware Markets

Dewey Beach

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The Town of Dewey Beach requires all short-term rental properties (stays under 120 days) to obtain an annual Rental Business License and pay a 3.0% Accommodations Tax. While there are no strict night caps or primary residence requirements, hosts must comply with noise ordinances and display local contact information for emergencies.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

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Short-term rentals are currently not explicitly permitted in Newark's residential zoning districts, though the city requires a general rental permit for all leased properties.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Lewes

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The City of Lewes requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license and pay a 5% local accommodation tax. Regulations established in 2022 mandate a local 24/7 contact person and strict occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rehoboth Beach

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Short-term rentals in the City of Rehoboth Beach are strictly regulated and require both a state and local rental license. The city imposes a 7% accommodations tax that must be remitted quarterly by the host, as platforms do not collect this tax automatically.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Dover

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Delaware Markets

Dewey Beach

Newark

Lewes

Rehoboth Beach

Dover

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Dover?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Dover?

3Are there rental night limits in Dover?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Dover?

Related Content

Other Delaware Markets

Dewey Beach

Newark

Lewes

Rehoboth Beach