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

STRs Allowed

MarylandLast updated: February 13, 2026

Baseline Verification

80%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

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

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

120/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$500

Processing Time

30-60 days

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•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.

Requirements(20)

•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 Process(9)

•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 & Costs(1)

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

Taxes(2)

•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 & Restrictions(9)

•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 Requirements(2)

•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.

Penalties(3)

•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.

Exemptions(5)

•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).

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 Maryland Markets

Salisbury

Maryland

Permissive

Salisbury requires a Landlord License and annual registration for all short-term rentals (stays under 31 days) through the Housing and Community Development Department.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Deep Creek Lake

Maryland

Moderate

Deep Creek Lake STRs are regulated through a mandatory Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU) license program managed by Garrett County.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Baltimore

Maryland

Prohibited

Short-term rentals in Baltimore City are strictly limited to the owner's primary residence. Hosts must obtain a biennial license for a $200 fee and can only host unhosted stays for up to 90 days per year.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Ocean City

Maryland

Moderate

Ocean City requires all short-term rental properties to obtain an annual Rental License and a mandatory Noise Control Permit. Hosts must collect 5% Room Tax (remitted to the city) in addition to 6% Maryland Sales Tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Annapolis

Baseline 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(10)

Requirements(20)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(9)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(5)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Maryland Markets

Salisbury

Deep Creek Lake

Baltimore

Ocean City

Annapolis

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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?

Related Content

Other Maryland Markets

Salisbury

Deep Creek Lake

Baltimore

Ocean City