Short Term Rentals Restricted With Some Exemptions

The bill curbing short term rentals passed with a unanimous vote at Tuesday’s DC City Council meeting.

New legislation requires those wishing to list a short term rental on Airbnb or other home sharing platforms to obtain a permit. Only primary residences can be rented short term and then only up to 90 days annually if the host isn’t present during the rental. If owners are living in the home and want to list a portion of the home as a short term rental, there is no annual limit. The rentals will also be subject to the 14.95% DC hotel tax.

Passed along with the new legislation was an amendment allowing applications for hardship exemptions relating to the 90-day annual cap. This concession was made for those in the military, diplomats and others who must travel for long periods of time on short notice.

BILL SUMMARY – As introduced, this bill requires the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to monitor and investigate short term rentals for compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, health codes and housing codes among other things. DCRA must maintain records and statistics on licensed short-term rental activity. It creates a new license category for short-term rentals and procedures for enforcement actions. It also establishes penalties for violations.

Airbnb remains opposed to the legislation and this week filed a lawsuit against the city of Boston, MA after it enacted similar legislation..

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Jan 16, 2019
Enacted with Act Number A22-0563 View Signed Act
Feb 15, 2019
Committee Report Filed View Committee Report
Mar 14, 2019
Transmitted to Congress, Projected Law Date is Apr 25, 2019
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