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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Clinton, Maryland under Prince George's County regulations. Clinton is located within Prince George's County, and the county has established a comprehensive Short-Term Rentals (STR) program that permits homeowners to operate STRs subject to specific licensing requirements and regulations. The county defines short-term rentals as properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days.

---

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

Starting an STR business in Clinton requires following Prince George's County's structured licensing process:

Step 1: Property Qualification

• Ensure the property will serve as your permanent residence (primary homestead)
• Verify no outstanding property taxes or liens exist
• Confirm no existing code violations on the property
• Check HOA regulations (must explicitly allow STRs)

Step 2: Pre-Application Requirements

• Obtain Maryland Homestead Tax Credit approval before applying
• Install required safety equipment and obtain documentation
• Complete safety equipment installation and photo documentation

Step 3: License Application Process

• Apply through the Momentum online portal
• Submit temporary license application (90 days for hosts)
• Pay all applicable fees before review
• Undergo inspection by DPIE Code Enforcement staff

Step 4: Post-Approval Operations

• Display permanent license
• Comply with ongoing operational requirements
• File annual license renewals

---

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licensing Requirements

1. Short-Term Rental Host License

• Cost: Refer to DPIE Fee Schedule
• Duration: Annual license
• Application: Through Momentum Portal

2. Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit

• Requirement: Must be obtained before STR license application
• Process: Complete application via Maryland Homestead Tax Credit Program

Mandatory Safety Documentation (Photo Proof Required)

1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Required in all bedrooms or hallways outside bedrooms
• Photos must be labeled showing location
• All detectors must be operational

2. Fire Extinguisher

• Minimum size: 2A:10BC
• Must be conspicuously located and properly charged
• Installed in travel path to exit (max 5 feet height)
• Cannot be near stove
• Photo documentation required with location labeling

3. Floor Plan and Escape Routes

• Fire exits and escape routes must be designated
• Floor plan must be conspicuously posted in interior
• Photo proof required showing posting location

Insurance and Legal Requirements

1. Liability Insurance

• Minimum $1,000,000 current and valid coverage required
• Must be maintained throughout license period

2. Safety Attestations

• All habitable spaces approved by DPIE Code Enforcement
• All construction work properly permitted
• Life safety devices up-to-date and operational

Operational Compliance Documents

1. Neighbor Notification

• Complete "Short-Term Rental License Neighbor Notification" form
• Notify adjacent neighbors (left, right, front, behind property)
• Forms available: Neighbor Notification Form

2. HOA Notification

• Complete "Short-Term Rental License HOA Notification" form if applicable
• Form available: HOA Notification Form

3. Contact Information Documentation

• Emergency contact information posted conspicuously inside rental
• Updates required within 5 business days of any changes

4. Platform Registration

• List all platforms intended for use (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.)
• Apply separately for Platform License if operating a platform business

Environmental and Property Requirements

1. Waste Management

• Two (2) outdoor trash receptacles required
• One (1) recycling receptacle required

2. Parking

• Off-street parking must be available

3. Basement Usage

• Basements cannot be used as bedrooms/habitable space without explicit Enforcement Division authorization

Training and Certification

1. Human Trafficking Training

• Complete required training videos and quiz
• Certificate of completion required

2. Guest Rules Compliance

• Post approved guest rules per Section 7A-109(a) at main entrance

---

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

County-Level Regulations (Prince George's County)

1. Licensing Authority

• Administered by DPIE's Enforcement Division
• Governed by County Bill CB-11-2018

2. Property Requirements

• Must be host's permanent residence (primary homestead)
• Property must be in compliance with Subtitle 4 of Prince George's County Code
• All construction, including secondary kitchens, must be properly permitted

3. Operational Limitations

• Maximum rental period: Less than 30 consecutive days
• No existing code violations permitted
• All life safety devices must be maintained

4. Neighbor Relations

• Mandatory neighbor notification before license issuance
• Ongoing compliance with noise and nuisance regulations
• Emergency contact information must be readily accessible

5. Tax Obligations

• 7% County Transient Occupancy Tax (separate from state/local taxes)
• Hosts must collect and remit directly (not automatic through platforms)

State-Level Regulations (Maryland)

1. Lead Paint Compliance

• All STR properties must comply with Maryland's Lead Law
• Required Documentation:
  • Residential Rental Property Lead Law Compliance Checklist
  • Maryland's Lead Law Fact Sheets 2022
  • MDE Title 1 Subtitle 5 Local Government Article
  • MDE Title 6 Subtitle 8 Environmental Article

City-Specific Regulations (Clinton)

Note: Clinton does not have separate city-level STR regulations. All STR operations in Clinton are governed by Prince George's County regulations outlined above.

---

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Licensing Authority

Prince George's County DPIE (Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement)

• Address: Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, 1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
• Email: Contact through DPIE Contact Portal
• STR-Specific Questions: Contact DPIE's Enforcement Division

Application and Portal Support

Momentum Online Portal

• Portal Access: Momentum Portal
• Support: Available through Momentum Information page
• Registration Help: Step-by-step instructions and "how-to" videos available

Code Enforcement and Violations

Report Illegal STRs

• Phone: 3-1-1 or (301) 883-4748
• Service: PGC311 for reporting violations

Financial and Tax Questions

Transient Occupancy Tax

• Contact Prince George's County Finance Department
• Note: 7% tax must be remitted by host, not automatically collected

State-Level Contacts

Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit

• Website: Maryland Homestead Tax Credit Program
• Contact: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation

Maryland Department of Environment (Lead Compliance)

• Website: For lead law compliance requirements and documentation

---

Source Links and Additional Resources

Primary Government Resources

• Prince George's County STR Licensing: Short-Term Rental Licensing Page
• Momentum Portal: Online License Application System
• DPIE Fee Schedule: Current Licensing Fees

Required Forms and Documentation

• Neighbor Notification Form: STR Neighbor Notification
• HOA Notification Form: STR HOA Notification
• Enforcement Forms: Complete Form Repository

Compliance Resources

• STR FAQ: Short-Term Rentals FAQs
• STR Checklist: Short-Term Rentals Checklist
• Maryland Homestead Tax Credit: Application Portal

Legal Framework

• County Bill CB-11-2018: STR Legislative Authority

Additional Support

• Momentum Resources: Portal Help and Instructions
• DPIE Contact: General Contact Information

---

Important Disclaimer: This guide is based on information available as of 2025. Regulations may change, and investors should verify current requirements with Prince George's County DPIE before making investment decisions. Operating an STR without proper licensing can result in permanent bar from the program and enforcement action.