Short-Term Rental Regulations Guide for Bowie, MD

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bowie, MD?

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Bowie, MD, but they are subject to dual regulation at both the city and county levels. Properties operating as short-term rentals in Bowie must obtain both a City of Bowie Rental License and a Prince George's County Short-Term Rental License. This dual licensing requirement applies to all short-term rental arrangements including those through platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and similar services.

Bowie, located within Prince George's County, has its own municipal licensing requirements that run concurrently with the county's comprehensive short-term rental program. Property owners must navigate both regulatory frameworks to operate legally.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bowie, MD

The process for establishing a short-term rental business in Bowie requires completing parallel licensing procedures at both the city and county levels:

Step 1: Obtain Prince George's County Short-Term Rental License

1. Verify Eligibility: Ensure the property is your permanent residence by completing the Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit Application process
2. Create Account: Register on the county's Momentum portal system
3. Complete Application: Submit the Short-Term Rental Owner Application through the online portal
4. Pay Fees: Remit the $165 annual license fee (non-refundable)
5. Temporary License: Receive a 90-day temporary license upon application submission and fee payment
6. Compliance Verification: Successfully complete all inspection and documentation requirements
7. Permanent License: Have temporary license convert to permanent license after the 90-day period

Step 2: Obtain City of Bowie Rental License

1. Download Application: Obtain the Rental License Application from the City of Bowie website
2. Submit Application: Submit completed application with required $50 application fee ($110 annual license fee for non-apartment rentals)
3. Schedule Inspection: Participate in the city rental inspection process
4. Address Violations: Complete any required repairs or corrections identified during inspection
5. Receive License: Obtain final rental license upon successful completion of inspection

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Prince George's County Requirements

Essential Documentation:

• Homestead Tax Credit eligibility confirmation
• Current liability insurance policy (minimum $1,000,000 coverage)
• Proof of smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation in all bedrooms
• Fire extinguisher installation documentation (minimum 2A:10BC rating)
• Posted floor plan showing fire exits and escape routes
• Emergency contact information display
• Off-street parking availability verification
• Neighbor notification form submission
• HOA notification confirmation (if applicable)
• List of intended rental platforms
• Guest rules posting compliance
• Human trafficking training completion certificate
• Two outdoor trash receptacles and one recycling receptacle

Platform Requirements (for Airbnb, VRBO, etc.):

• Platform license application and approval
• Compliance with county's short-term rental hosting regulations

City of Bowie Requirements

Documentation:

• Completed Rental License Application
• Property ownership verification
• Application fee payment ($50)
• Annual license fee payment ($110 for non-apartment properties)
• Compliance with annual rental inspection requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Bowie Regulations

• Scope: All rental situations require licensing, including short-term rentals
• Inspection: Annual rental inspections conducted Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Timeline: Inspections take approximately 30 minutes to complete
• Compliance: Properties must comply with Bowie City Code
• Violations: Failure to comply may result in civil fines, license revocation, and court-ordered abatement
• Additional Inspections: $50 fee charged for additional inspections beyond initial review

Prince George's County Regulations

Operational Limitations:

• Maximum 8 adults per stay
• Maximum 3 adults per bedroom
• Maximum 180 total rented nights per year
• Maximum 90 non-hosted nights per year (owner not present)
• Must provide 1 parking space for every 3 guests

Property Requirements:

• Must be host's permanent residence
• Host must be property owner
• Property must have no outstanding taxes or liens
• Property must have no code violations
• All habitable spaces must be approved by DPIE Code Enforcement staff
• Basements require specific authorization for bedroom/habitable space use
• All construction must be properly permitted

Safety Requirements:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all bedrooms
• Minimum 2A:10BC fire extinguisher properly mounted
• Posted emergency evacuation plan
• Emergency contact information visibly displayed

State-Level Maryland Requirements

Maryland Department of Environment Rental Requirements:

• Residential Rental Property Lead Law Compliance Checklist
• Lead law fact sheet compliance
• Property tax credit verification (Homestead Property Tax Credit)

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Bowie Rental Housing & Code Compliance

Address:
15901 Fred Robinson Way
Bowie, MD 20716

Phone: 301-809-3008
Fax: 301-809-2314
Email: rentalhousing@cityofbowie.org

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Prince George's County DPIE

Short-Term Rental Questions:
Email: MyPGC.us/ContactDPIE
Website: princegeorgescountymd.gov

Main Contact:
DPIE Enforcement Division
Wayne K. Curry Administration Building
1301 McCormick Drive
Largo, MD 20774

Reporting Illegal Rentals:
PGC311: 3-1-1 or 301-883-4748

Source Links

City of Bowie

• Rental Housing Program
• Rental License Application (PDF)
• Virtual Inspection Procedures
• City Code

Prince George's County

• Short-Term Rental Licensing
• Momentum Portal
• DPIE Fee Schedule (PDF)
• Short-Term Rentals Checklist (PDF)
• Neighbor Notification Form (PDF)
• HOA Notification Form (PDF)
• MDE Lead Law Resources

Maryland State Resources

• Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit Program

Important Note: Short-term rental regulations in Bowie and Prince George's County are subject to change. Property owners should verify current requirements with both city and county authorities before making investment decisions or beginning rental operations. Operating without proper licenses can result in permanent bar from the program and significant enforcement action.