Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bethany Beach?

**Yes**, Bethany Beach requires all short-term rental owners to obtain a Rental Business License. You need this license to legally operate your rental, and it must be renewed annually. The fee for the Rental Business License is $200. Make sure to apply before listing. (54 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Bethany Beach?

**7% is** the current Accommodations Tax rate for short-term rentals in Bethany Beach. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the town on a quarterly basis. Be sure to register with the town to ensure you comply with all tax requirements. (53 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Bethany Beach?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Bethany Beach, provided that you obtain the required Rental Business License. You need to comply with all local regulations, including collecting and remitting the 7% Accommodations Tax. Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties. (48 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Bethany Beach?

**$200 is** the annual fee for the Rental Business License required to operate a short-term rental in Bethany Beach. You need to renew this license each year to remain compliant with local regulations. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with regulating short-term rentals. (50 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Bethany Beach?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Bethany Beach. Only property owners are permitted to obtain a Rental Business License and operate a short-term rental. Renters need to have the explicit consent of the property owner to sublet. (51 words)

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Bethany Beach allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Condominiums, Townhomes.
•Bethany Beach does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Bethany Beach, DE: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(16)

•Bethany Beach, DE: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Bethany Beach STR warning: The town requires an emergency contact who can respond to the property 24/7.
•Bethany Beach STR warning: Trash collection rules are very strict in Bethany Beach; rentals must follow specific bulk trash and recycling schedules.

Application Process(11)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Bethany Beach: Step 1: Obtain Rental Business License Application - Download the annual Rental Business License form from the Town's website or collect it from Town Hall. Estimated time: 10 minutes. More info: https://www.townofbethanybeach.com/335/Rental-Information Step 2: Complete Safety Self-Inspection - Complete the safety checklist including smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers. Documents needed: Safety Self-Inspection Checklist. Estimated time: 1 hour. Step 3: Submit Application and Fee - Submit the completed application, insurance proof, and the $200 annual fee to the Licensing Department. Documents needed: Business License Application, Proof of Insurance. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks for processing. Cost: 200. Step 4: Register for Accommodations Tax - Ensure you are registered to file quarterly Accommodations Tax returns with the Finance Department. Estimated time: 15 minutes. More info: https://www.townofbethanybeach.com/229/Accommodations-Tax

Fees & Costs(1)

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

Taxes(3)

•Bethany Beach charges a Accommodations Tax of 7%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Hosts are personally responsible for filing quarterly accommodations tax returns even if platforms collect state-level taxes.
•Bethany Beach: You must file a tax return every quarter even if you had zero rental income for that period.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Bethany Beach limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Bethany Beach, DE occupancy calculation: Occupancy is generally limited by the number of bedrooms and sewer capacity (Delaware State Code standards).. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Bethany Beach requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Self-inspection safety checklist required with license application.

Penalties(4)

•Bethany Beach: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Bethany Beach, DE: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Bethany Beach: Failure to renew your license by April 1st results in automatic late fees and potential fines.

Exemptions(3)

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

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(11)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

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