Are there rental limits in Wilmington?

Strict 150-permit limit citywide; if the cap is reached, new applications are waitlisted.

Are there rental limits in Wilmington?

Individual owners are strictly limited to ONE permit/property citywide.

What should Wilmington hosts know about a 4.5% state lodging tax?

A 4.5% State Lodging Tax becomes effective January 1, 2025, in addition to the 2% City tax.

What should Wilmington hosts know about corporate/llc ownership is allowed but?

Corporate/LLC ownership is allowed but capped at six properties total.

STR Laws: Wilmington, DE

Summary

Short-term rentals in Wilmington require a city-issued STR permit, an annual fee of $75, and compliance with a citywide cap of 150 permits.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 33 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Wilmington, you must obtain a specific STR permit and a city business license. You are required to complete a city-provided training course, pass a safety inspection, and collect a 6.5% total lodging tax from guests. Individual owners are limited to one STR property, while LLCs can operate up to six.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$75

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Wilmington allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Townhouse, Condo, Apartment.
•Wilmington does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Wilmington limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Wilmington prohibits STRs in the following property types: Vans, RVs, Income-restricted affordable housing, Public housing.

Requirements(10)

•Wilmington: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Wilmington requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $1,000,000. Liability insurance specifically covering short-term rentals
•Wilmington: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(9)

•Wilmington: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Business License, Proof of Liability Insurance, STR Course Completion Certificate, Operator Contact Information.
•Wilmington STR permit - Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Cap Status. Confirm the property is not in an HOA-restricted building or affordable housing unit. Check if the citywide 150-permit cap has been reached. Time: 1-3 days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Wilmington charges a registration fee of $75 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $120 (A general business license fee may also apply).

Taxes(2)

•Wilmington charges a City Short-Term Rental Lodging Tax of 0.02%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Note: Owners must remit monthly to the Dept of Finance if platforms do not
•Wilmington: A 4.5% State Lodging Tax becomes effective January 1, 2025, in addition to the 2% City tax.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Wilmington limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Wilmington limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom
•Wilmington: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Wilmington: Individual owners are strictly limited to ONE permit/property citywide.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Wilmington requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Windows/Doors must be weather-tight, GFCI outlets near sinks, Minimum 7ft ceiling height, STR training course completion.

Penalties(2)

•Wilmington enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Wilmington: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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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.

Wilmington

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(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

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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Wilmington

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 in Wilmington?

Related Content

Other Delaware Markets

Dewey Beach

Dover

Newark

Lewes