How to Legally Rent on Airbnb in DC
✉️ Want to forward this article? Click here.

A Shaw carriage house available on Airbnb.
As our article from earlier today pointed out, it’s not hard to start hosting people on Airbnb, and for those living in central locations throughout DC, the money can be great. But what many users don’t (or won’t) consider is whether or not the temporary rental they offer is operating legally.
UrbanTurf reached out to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs for details regarding what an Airbnb host can do to avoid running afoul of District regulations. Here’s what they told us, in one handy chart:

It is important to note that the information provided in the chart only covers the business and basic permits a person would need to avoid DCRA fines. But there could be other city regulations to keep in mind, including ones related to the fire code. And that’s not all: If you own a condo or co-op, your board likely prohibits units in the building from being from rented for less than 30 days at a time (and sometimes the minimum time limit is higher).
Airbnb hosts may be surprised to learn that pretty much any short-term renting scenario requires some kind of permit. But Airbnb lists the following caveat in all caps in its terms of service: “Airbnb cannot and does not control the content contained in any listings and the condition, legality or suitability of any accommodations.” Later, it states that the service “assumes no responsibility for a Host’s compliance with any applicable laws, rules and regulations.”
Since hosts can’t count on Airbnb to bail them out if they get into trouble, it’s a good move to confirm a rental is operating legally.
See other articles related to: airbnb, airbnb dc, airbnb illegal, dclofts
This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/heres_how_to_legally_rent_on_airbnb_in_dc/8068.
Most Popular... This Week • Last 30 Days • Ever

The huge DC news of the week is that the Washington Commanders are going to build a n... read »

Plans to redevelop a strip mall along the thoroughfare are back in the works after a ... read »

Today, UrbanTurf checks in on the status of the development pipeline over in Congress... read »

The new 230-room citizenM hotel is expected to open at the beginning of 2026.... read »

Dubbed the Stratford House, the property had not been listed for sale in decades prio... read »
- Where Will The 6,000 Homes Be Built Around DC's New Football Stadium?
- 262-Unit Development With 'Main Street' Retail Pitched For Columbia Pike
- St. E's And More: A Look At The Congress Heights Residential Pipeline
- Georgetown Hotel Along Water Street Set To Deliver Next Year
- One Of Northern Virginia's Priciest Homes Sells For $14 Million
DC Real Estate Guides
Short guides to navigating the DC-area real estate market
We've collected all our helpful guides for buying, selling and renting in and around Washington, DC in one place. Start browsing below!
First-Timer Primers
Intro guides for first-time home buyers
Unique Spaces
Awesome and unusual real estate from across the DC Metro