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

• Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in District Heights, MD. They are governed primarily by Prince George's County (PGC) regulations under County Bill CB-11-2018. The county's Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) administers the licensing program.
• Important: District Heights is an incorporated municipality within Prince George's County. While it follows the county's STR framework, additional local requirements may apply. The provided sources explicitly list District Heights as a municipality where operators should check for potential extra licenses or inspections. This guide provides the county-level requirements; operators must verify compliance with District Heights' specific rules.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in District Heights

1. Verify Zoning & Primary Residence Status: Confirm the property is in a zoning district allowing STRs and that it is the host's permanent residence. Obtaining the Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit is a key part of proving primary residence.
2. Review HOA/COA Rules: If applicable, check your Homeowners' Association (HOA) or Condominium Association's bylaws. If the HOA prohibits STRs, you cannot legally operate one.
3. Prepare Required Documentation & Safety Equipment: Gather all necessary documents (see requirements section below) and ensure all life-safety equipment (detectors, extinguisher, etc.) is installed per code.
4. Notify Neighbors & HOA: Submit the "Proof of Intent to Apply for License" forms to adjacent neighbors (left, right, front, back) and your HOA/Condo Association.
5. Complete Online Application: Use the Prince George's County Momentum Portal (https://momentumhome.princegeorgescountymd.gov/) to create an account and submit the Short-Term Rental Host/Owner Application.
6. Pay Fees: Remit the required application and license fees ($165 per year for the Host License). Fees are non-refundable.
7. Obtain Temporary License: Upon successful submission and payment, a 90-day temporary license will be issued, printable from the portal.
8. Undergo Review & Inspection: DPIE staff will review the application. An inspection may be conducted by Code Enforcement before permanent license issuance.
9. Receive Permanent License: If compliant, the temporary license converts to a permanent license after 90 days. Print it from the portal. No licenses are mailed.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses & Guidelines

• Core License: Short-Term Rental License (Host/Owner) issued by PGC DPIE via the Momentum Portal ($165/year).
• Proof of Primary Residence: Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit application completion/approval.
• Insurance: Current and valid liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000.
• Life-Safety Equipment & Documentation:
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector photos (installed in all bedrooms or adjacent hallways).
  • Fire Extinguisher photo (minimum size 2A:10BC, properly mounted, visible, charged).
  • Floor Plan & Escape Route Map photo (conspicuously posted inside the rental).
• Property Condition: Property must be free of outstanding taxes, liens, and code violations.
• Compliance: Attestation of compliance with all applicable PGC Codes (Subtitle 4, Property Maintenance, Electrical, Plumbing, Building).
• Specific Requirements:
  • Off-street parking availability (1 space per 3 guests recommended/required by county).
  • Emergency contact information conspicuously posted.
  • Two (2) outdoor trash receptacles and one (1) recycling receptacle.
  • "Neighbor Notification" and "HOA Notification" forms submitted to adjacent neighbors and the association.
  • Complete Human Trafficking Awareness Training.
  • List of all rental platforms to be used.
  • Guest rules per PGC Section 7A-109(a) must be posted.
• Environmental: Compliance with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Residential Rental Property Lead Law.
• Additional Municipal Requirements (District Heights): Contact District Heights directly to confirm any specific local permits, licenses, or inspections beyond the county requirements.

Specific Regulations (County-Level)

• Maximum Occupancy: 8 adults per stay.
• Maximum per Bedroom: 3 adults per bedroom.
• Annual Night Cap: Maximum of 180 nights rented per year.
• Non-Hosted Night Cap: Maximum of 90 nights where the owner is not present.
• License Duration: Licenses expire 1 year from issuance date.
• Primary Residence: STR must be the host's permanent residence.
• Owner Requirement: Host must be the owner of the property.
• Basement Restriction: Basements (or portions thereof) cannot be used as bedrooms/habitable space unless specifically authorized by DPIE Code Enforcement.
• Platform Licensing: Online platforms (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) must also obtain a separate Short-Term Rental Platform License from PGC.
• Enforcement: Operating without a license is illegal and may result in permanent barring from the program and enforcement action. Report illegal STRs to PGC311 (3-1-1 or 301-883-4748).

Contact Information (Prince George's County STR Authority)

• Authority: Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) - Enforcement Division
• Website: Short-Term Rental Licensing
• Online Application/Portal: Momentum Portal
• Email: Use the DPIE Contact Portal: https://dpie-cts-prod.powerappsportals.us/
• Phone (General PGC Government/311): PGC311 (3-1-1 or 301-883-4748)
• Municipal Contact (District Heights): Must be obtained independently. Check the District Heights official website or contact the City Clerk/Administration office for specific STR requirements. The provided sources do not include this information. Start with the county contacts listed above and ask for guidance on local municipality contacts.

Links to Source Pages

• Prince George's County STR Licensing (Primary Authority): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/permitting-inspections-and-enforcement/licensing/rental-housing-licenses/short-term-rental-licensing
• Momentum Online Services Portal: https://momentumhome.princegeorgescountymd.gov/
• Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit: https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/pages/maryland-homestead-tax-credit.aspx
• Prince George's County STR Frequently Asked Questions (PDF): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/default/files/media-document/dcv32693_short-term-rentals-str-frequently-asked-questions.pdf
• Prince George's County STR Checklist (PDF): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26448/Short-Term-Rentals-Checklist-PDF
• STR Neighbor Notification Form (PDF): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/default/files/media-document/dcv27027_str-proof-of-intent-to-apply-for-license-neighbor-notification-pdf.pdf
• STR HOA Notification Form (PDF): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27028/STR-Proof-of-Intent-to-Apply-for-License-HOA-PDF
• DPIE Fee Schedule (PDF): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/default/files/media-document/DPIE%20Fee%20Schedule.pdf
• County Bill CB-11-2018 (STR Ordinance): https://pgcar.com/membersonly/regs/pdf/CB-11-2018-Short-Term-Rentals-Prince-Georges-Bill.pdf
• JAVS Homes Blog (Summarizes Key County Rules, Mentions District Heights): https://javshomes.com/investing/how-to-airbnb-in-prince-georges-county-md-the-2023-guide-to-short-term-rentals/

Important Note for District Heights Investors: While this guide covers the essential county-level framework, always contact District Heights directly to confirm and comply with any additional local regulations, permits, or fees specific to your property within the city. Use the primary county sources provided above for the core licensing process and requirements.