Overview: STRs Are Legal in Annapolis

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Annapolis, Maryland. The City of Annapolis officially recognizes and regulates short-term rentals through a formal licensing system. Property managers and investors can legally operate short-term rentals in the city, provided they obtain the required licenses and comply with local regulations.

How To Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Annapolis

Starting a short-term rental business in Annapolis requires following a systematic approach through multiple jurisdictions:

Step 1: Determine Business Structure

Choose your business entity type from the available options:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Independent Rental Owner (without formal business)
• Other business entity types

Step 2: Obtain Required State Documentation

Secure a Maryland Sales & Use Tax License from the State of Maryland, which is mandatory for your application.

Step 3: Register with the City of Annapolis

Complete the short-term rental application through the City's Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal at css.annapolis.gov.

Step 4: Address County Requirements

Register with Anne Arundel County for occupancy tax purposes, as any property using a hosting platform must comply with county tax obligations.

Step 5: Set Up Hosting Platform Listings

Prepare your listing information for platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or other hosting services, as you'll need to provide these details during the application process.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Annapolis Requirements

Primary License:

• Short-Term Rental License through the CSS Portal

Required Documentation:

• Maryland Sales & Use Tax License
• Property owner information verification
• Local property manager contact (if owner is not a full-time Annapolis resident)
• Hosting platform listing details for each site where the property is advertised

Anne Arundel County Requirements

County Registration:

• Short-Term Residential Rental Registration
• Compliance with occupancy tax requirements under Anne Arundel County Code Section § 4-6-105

Additional Requirements for Pre-1978 Properties

Lead Paint Compliance:

• MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) lead form submission
• Compliance with lead poisoning prevention requirements for structures built before 1978

Housing and Safety Standards

Inspection Requirements:

• Housing inspection compliance using the city's general checklist
• Fair housing law compliance
• Property safety and habitability standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Annapolis Regulations

Licensing Requirements:

• All short-term rental properties must be licensed through the city
• Applications processed through the Citizen Self-Service Portal
• License renewal requirements apply
• Property must display issued license

Property Management Requirements:

• Non-resident owners must designate a local property manager within city limits
• Property manager contact information must be maintained and updated
• Local contact must be available for issues and emergencies

Operational Standards:

• Compliance with city housing codes
• Fair housing law adherence
• Property maintenance and safety requirements
• Guest capacity limitations as determined during licensing

Anne Arundel County Regulations

Definition and Scope:

• Short-term residential rental defined as use/occupancy for no more than 120 consecutive days in a calendar year
• Must be facilitated through a hosting platform
• Accommodations provided to transient guests in exchange for rent

Tax Obligations:

• Occupancy tax payment required under Anne Arundel County Code § 4-6-105
• Tax reporting and remittance through appropriate county channels
• Compliance with county tax collection requirements

State of Maryland Requirements

Tax Registration:

• Maryland Sales & Use Tax License mandatory
• State tax compliance for rental income
• Sales tax collection and remittance on applicable services

Lead Paint Laws:

• Properties built before 1978 subject to state lead paint disclosure requirements
• MDE compliance for rental properties
• Ongoing maintenance and disclosure obligations

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Annapolis - Planning, Zoning and Building Department

Licenses & Permits Division:

• Phone: 410-263-7997 (Mayor's Office - General)
• Address: 160 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Online Portal: css.annapolis.gov
• Website: annapolis.gov/923/Licenses-Permits

Anne Arundel County - License Division

Non-Trade Licenses:

• Phone: (410) 222-7788
• Email: licensemailbox@aacounty.org
• Address: 2664 Riva Road, MS 6006, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
• Online System: Land Use Navigator (accessible through aacounty.org/lun)

Additional Resources

Maryland Department of the Environment (Lead Paint Compliance):

• Website: mde.maryland.gov/programs/Land/LeadPoisoningPrevention/Pages/rentalowners.aspx

Source Links

Primary Source Documentation:

• City of Annapolis STR Application Process: annapolis.gov/2349/Applying-for-a-Short-Term-Rental
• City of Annapolis Rental Licenses: www.annapolis.gov/1065/Rental-Licenses
• Anne Arundel County STR Requirements: www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/licenses/non-trade-licenses/short-term-residential-rental
• Airbnb Regulatory Information: www.airbnb.com/help/article/3608

Additional City Resources:

• Citizen Self-Service Portal: css.annapolis.gov
• City of Annapolis Permits & Licensing: annapolis.gov/923/Licenses-Permits

County Resources:

• Anne Arundel County Land Use Navigator: www.aacounty.org/lun
• County Permit Center Information: Available through main county website

This comprehensive guide provides the essential framework for legally establishing and operating short-term rentals in Annapolis, Maryland. Property managers and investors should regularly check with local authorities for any regulatory updates, as short-term rental laws continue to evolve at both city and county levels.