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

**Yes**, the City of Lewes requires an annual Short-Term Rental License. You need to apply for this permit to legally operate a short-term rental. The city also mandates that hosts designate a local contact person available 24/7 to address any guest-related issues or concerns. *(54 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Lewes?

**5% TOT** is the current local accommodation tax rate in Lewes. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from their guests for any stays less than 30 days. This tax must be remitted to the city on a quarterly basis, ensuring compliance with local regulations. *(53 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Lewes?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Lewes, subject to specific regulations. You need to obtain a short-term rental license and comply with occupancy limits. The city also requires a local contact person available 24/7. Make sure to adhere to all rules to avoid penalties and maintain compliance. *(54 words)*

How much does an STR permit cost in Lewes?

**$250** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Lewes. You must pay this fee each year to legally operate your short-term rental. This permit ensures that your property meets the city's safety and compliance standards. Make sure your application is current. *(51 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in Lewes?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host short-term rentals in Lewes. The regulations require that the property owner apply for and obtain the necessary permits. Only property owners can legally operate a short-term rental within the city. Ensure you comply with these regulations to avoid penalties. *(53 words)*

Lewes, DE Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 21 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $250
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Lewes, you must get an annual STR permit and a business license. You are required to collect a 5% tax from your guests and pay it to the city every quarter. You also need a local contact person who can respond to any noise or parking issues within an hour. Make sure your listing doesn't exceed two people per bedroom plus two, as the city monitors occupancy strictly.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify you are in 'Lewes City' - many properties with a Lewes address are actually in unincorporated Sussex County and follow different rules.
2.A 24/7 local contact person must be able to respond to the property within 60 minutes.
3.New STRs are generally prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
4.Airbnb and VRBO do NOT automatically collect the 5% Lewes Accommodation Tax; hosts must collect and remit this manually.
5.Minimum stay requirement of 2 nights applies to all short-term rentals.
6.License numbers must be displayed in all online advertisements and listings.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Lewes: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Lewes does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Lewes allows STRs in the following property types: Residential dwelling units.
•Lewes prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Recreational vehicles, Nonresidential structures, Outdoors.

Requirements(14)

•Lewes: Hosts must report their rental activity annual to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Lewes STR warning: Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, excluding kids under 12.
•Lewes has different permit classes: Short-Term Rental (30 days or less). Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application Process(7)

•How to set up an STR in Lewes: To host an Airbnb in the City of Lewes, you must apply for a rental license every year and pay a $200 fee. You are required to have a local contact person who can show up at the property within 2 hours if there's a problem. Your home must meet specific safety rules, like having fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in every bedroom. You can't rent out an 'accessory dwelling unit' (like a guest house) for short stays. Finally, remember you have to pay a 5% city tax on your rental income every February and a 4.5% state tax throughout the year.

Fees & Costs(1)

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

Taxes(4)

•Delaware has a state sales tax of 4.5% that applies to STR rentals.
•Lewes: New Lodging Tax of 0.5% starts Jan 1, 2026, phasing up to 2.0% by 2028.
•Lewes: The Gross Receipts Rental Tax is NOT collected by Airbnb; you must remit it yourself by Feb 1.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Lewes limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Lewes: Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced: 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, excluding kids under 12.
•Lewes: Verify you are within CITY limits; many 'Lewes' addresses are in unincorporated Sussex County which has different rules.
•Lewes enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (standard city noise ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•Lewes requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, GFCI receptacles within 6 feet of any sink, Two means of egress for every bedroom, Good Neighbor Brochure must be conspicuously visible.

Penalties(2)

•Lewes enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Written Warning. Second offense: $250.00. Third offense: $500.00 and suspension of rental license for 12 months. Maximum fine: $500.00. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Lewes: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Lewes: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Lewes exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts are regulated under separate code chapters..

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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.

Lewes

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(14)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Lewes

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 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 Lewes?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Lewes?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Lewes?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Lewes?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Lewes?

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