Washington DC has some of the most specific short-term rental regulations in the country. Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, and removal from Airbnb's platform.
The Primary Residence Rule
DC's most important STR rule: **short-term rentals are only permitted in your primary residence**. Investment properties cannot be listed as short-term rentals under DC law.
DC STR License Requirements
All short-term rental hosts in Washington DC must obtain a **Short-Term Rental License** from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Operating without a valid STR license in DC can result in a $2,000+ fine per occurrence.
Safety Requirements
Transient Occupancy Tax
DC short-term rental hosts are required to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all bookings. Airbnb collects and remits this automatically for most DC bookings.
See full details: [DC STR Regulations](/dc-regulations)