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

**Yes**, Annapolis requires a Short-Term Rental License to operate legally. You need to obtain this annual license, costing $500, before listing your property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Operating without a license may result in significant penalties. Ensure compliance to avoid fines. (52 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Annapolis?

**7%** is the current Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate for short-term rentals in Annapolis. You need to collect this tax from your guests for all stays shorter than 30 days and remit it to the city. Failure to collect and remit this tax can lead to penalties. (52 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Annapolis?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Annapolis, but with significant restrictions. You need to ensure that the rental is your primary residence. Additionally, unhosted stays are capped at 120 nights per year. Review the local regulations carefully before listing to comply. (50 words)

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Annapolis?

**Yes**, you need to live in the property to legally rent it out on Airbnb in Annapolis. The city requires that short-term rentals are limited to the owner's primary residence. You cannot rent out a property that is not your main home. (44 words)

How many nights per year can I rent my property in Annapolis?

**120 nights** is the cap for unhosted short-term rentals in Annapolis. If you are not present during the rental period, you are limited to this amount. There may be exceptions if you are present during the stay. Check local regulations for clarification. (45 words)

Annapolis

Prohibited

MarylandUpdated Apr 2, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals in the City of Annapolis are strictly limited to the owner's primary residence. Hosts must obtain an annual $500 license and are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays.

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Primary residence required
Owner-occupied required
Moderate night cap: 120 nights/year
High permit fee: $500
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required

In plain English

What this means for you

Short-term rentals in the City of Annapolis are strictly limited to the owner's primary residence. Hosts must obtain an annual $500 license and are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit120/year

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$500

Processing time30-60 days

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You MUST live in the property at least 185 days a year to be eligible.
2Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
3Unhosted rentals are capped at 120 nights per calendar year.
4The license number must be clearly displayed in the listing title or description.
5A mandatory safety inspection is required before the license is issued.
6If you are near the city line, verify you are in 'Annapolis City' and not 'Anne Arundel County' as the rules differ.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility10 rules

Annapolis, MD: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Annapolis allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Multi-family dwellings (subject to limits).
Annapolis requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Owner must reside at the property for more than six months (185 days) of the year.

Requirements20 rules

Annapolis STR warning: The license number must be clearly displayed in the listing title or description.
Annapolis has different permit classes: Owner-Occupied (Primary Residence) vs. Non-Owner Occupied. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Annapolis: Short-term rentals in the City of Annapolis are strictly limited to the owner's primary residence. Hosts must obtain an annual $500 license and are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays.

Fees & costs1 rule

Annapolis charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Annapolis charges a Hotel/Short-Term Rental Tax of 7%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits the 7% city tax directly for Annapolis listings.
Maryland has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions9 rules

Annapolis, MD occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons, total not to exceed 10.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Annapolis enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Annapolis limits STRs to 120 nights per year. This applies to unhosted rentals.
Annapolis: Unhosted rentals are capped at 120 nights per calendar year.

Safety requirements2 rules

Annapolis requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Interconnected smoke alarms required, Egress window compliance, Trash disposal plan.
Annapolis: A mandatory safety inspection is required before the license is issued.

Penalties3 rules

Annapolis, MD: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Annapolis enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,000 fine. Second offense: Suspension of license. Third offense: Revocation of license. Daily fine: $1,000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions5 rules

Annapolis, MD: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
Annapolis exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Annapolis: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Annapolis

Prohibited

MarylandUpdated Apr 2, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals in the City of Annapolis are strictly limited to the owner's primary residence. Hosts must obtain an annual $500 license and are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays.

Restriction level

Severity 100

Classification

Prohibited

100

Severity

Why this classification

Primary residence required
Owner-occupied required
Moderate night cap: 120 nights/year
High permit fee: $500
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required

In plain English

What this means for you

Short-term rentals in the City of Annapolis are strictly limited to the owner's primary residence. Hosts must obtain an annual $500 license and are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit120/year

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$500

Processing time30-60 days

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You MUST live in the property at least 185 days a year to be eligible.
2Short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
3Unhosted rentals are capped at 120 nights per calendar year.
4The license number must be clearly displayed in the listing title or description.
5A mandatory safety inspection is required before the license is issued.
6If you are near the city line, verify you are in 'Annapolis City' and not 'Anne Arundel County' as the rules differ.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility10 rules

Annapolis, MD: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Annapolis allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Multi-family dwellings (subject to limits).
Annapolis requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Owner must reside at the property for more than six months (185 days) of the year.

Requirements20 rules

Annapolis STR warning: The license number must be clearly displayed in the listing title or description.
Annapolis has different permit classes: Owner-Occupied (Primary Residence) vs. Non-Owner Occupied. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Annapolis: Short-term rentals in the City of Annapolis are strictly limited to the owner's primary residence. Hosts must obtain an annual $500 license and are capped at 120 nights per year for unhosted stays.

Fees & costs1 rule

Annapolis charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Annapolis charges a Hotel/Short-Term Rental Tax of 7%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb remits the 7% city tax directly for Annapolis listings.
Maryland has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions9 rules

Annapolis, MD occupancy calculation: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons, total not to exceed 10.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Annapolis enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Annapolis limits STRs to 120 nights per year. This applies to unhosted rentals.
Annapolis: Unhosted rentals are capped at 120 nights per calendar year.

Safety requirements2 rules

Annapolis requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Interconnected smoke alarms required, Egress window compliance, Trash disposal plan.
Annapolis: A mandatory safety inspection is required before the license is issued.

Penalties3 rules

Annapolis, MD: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Annapolis enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,000 fine. Second offense: Suspension of license. Third offense: Revocation of license. Daily fine: $1,000. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions5 rules

Annapolis, MD: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
Annapolis exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Annapolis: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Annapolis?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Annapolis?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Annapolis?

5How many nights per year can I rent my property in Annapolis?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Annapolis?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Annapolis?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Annapolis?

5How many nights per year can I rent my property in Annapolis?

Disclaimer