Short‑Term Rental Rules for North Bethesda Homeowners

Thinking about listing your North Bethesda home for short stays? The rules here are specific, and a few common missteps can lead to fines or denied licenses. You want clarity on what is allowed, what to file, and how to avoid neighbor complaints. This guide walks you through the essentials so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.

What counts in North Bethesda

North Bethesda is an unincorporated area, so you follow Montgomery County’s short‑term rental program and licensing rules. Start with the county’s program overview to understand definitions, who qualifies, and how licensing works. You can review the county’s short‑term rental overview and requirements on the Montgomery County site for full context and updates. County STR overview

Core rules you must know

Primary residence only

Your short‑term rental must be your primary residence. Investment properties do not qualify, and ADUs cannot be used as short‑term rentals. County Code details

Hosted vs unhosted day limits

If you are not physically present during a guest’s stay, unhosted rental use is capped at 120 days per calendar year. There is no county day limit when you are present. County policy background

Occupancy and parking

Occupancy is limited to 6 adults total, and no more than 2 adults per bedroom. Provide at least one off‑street parking space per rental contract unless your listing clearly states that parking is prohibited. County Code details

Safety and neighbor notice

You must certify working smoke detectors and, if applicable, carbon monoxide detectors, plus proper sanitation. You also need to notify neighbors and designate a local representative within 15 miles who can respond during stays when you are away. County Code details

HOA, condo, and lease rules

If your HOA, condo documents, or lease prohibit short‑term rentals, the county will not issue a license. The county may also verify that association dues are current. County Code details

Step by step: get licensed

1. Register for Maryland sales and use tax. Short stays are subject to state sales tax, typically 6%. Register with the Maryland Comptroller before taking bookings. Maryland Sales & Use Tax
2. Set up your Montgomery County transient tax account. The county’s Room Rental/Transient Tax applies to stays of 30 days or fewer at a 7% rate. Confirm your platform’s tax collection, but still register and keep records. County Transient Tax info
3. Apply for your county STR license. Complete the county’s application and checklist, pay the annual fee, and include your license number on all listings once approved. STR license application
4. Prepare documents. Be ready with proof of sales tax registration, county transient tax account, primary residence documentation, safety certifications, neighbor notifications, and any HOA or condo approvals. STR FAQs

Processing times are set by the county and may vary. County materials indicate decisions are typically made within 30 to 60 days, though timing can change. Check the application page for current timelines and fees. STR license application

Taxes and recordkeeping

• State: Register and collect Maryland sales and use tax, generally 6%. Maryland Sales & Use Tax
• County: Register and remit the 7% Room Rental/Transient Tax for stays of 30 days or fewer. County Transient Tax info
• Platforms: Many platforms collect some taxes, but you are still responsible for registration, verification, and records. Keep copies of bookings, receipts, and remittances.

Enforcement and penalties

Montgomery County enforces rules through complaint investigations and inspections. Neighbors can report issues or suspected unlicensed activity via MC311. How to report and tax info

Violations are typically Class A civil violations with fines of $500 for an initial offense and $750 for repeat offenses, and they can be assessed per day. The county may also suspend or revoke licenses or pursue additional remedies. County civil penalties When complaints surge or listings are unlicensed, the county has required hosts to remove listings and has issued citations. Local coverage of enforcement

Buyer and seller due diligence

• If you plan to sell, review your HOA or condo documents and check whether the home has any short‑term rental license history or past issues. Licenses are site specific and can be suspended or revoked for violations. County Code details
• If you are buying, ask about prior STR activity and confirm whether the home could qualify under today’s rules. You can consult county licensing resources or inquire via MC311 for direction on where to check current status. STR license application

Common mistakes to avoid

• Advertising before your license is approved.
• Trying to license a non‑primary residence or an ADU.
• Exceeding 6 adults or 2 adults per bedroom.
• Ignoring the 120‑day unhosted limit.
• Skipping neighbor notifications or failing to name a local representative.
• Assuming platforms handle all taxes without verifying registration and remittance.

Quick compliance checklist

• Confirm the home is your primary residence and not an ADU.
• Register for Maryland sales and use tax.
• Open a Montgomery County transient tax account.
• Complete the county STR license application and neighbor notices.
• Install and test required smoke and CO detectors.
• Set occupancy and parking rules, then include your license number on every listing.
• Keep detailed booking and tax records.

If you want a local perspective on how short‑term rental potential could fit your broader plans to buy or sell in North Bethesda, connect with the neighborhood experts at Galanti Group. We help you align the rules with your real estate goals.

FAQs

Do Montgomery County rules apply in North Bethesda?

• Yes. North Bethesda follows Montgomery County’s short‑term rental program and licensing requirements. Review the county’s overview for full details. County STR overview

Can I use an ADU for short‑term rentals in North Bethesda?

• No. Accessory dwelling units are excluded from short‑term rental use under county rules. County Code details

How many days can I rent when I am away?

• Unhosted rentals are limited to 120 days per calendar year; there is no county day limit when you are present. Policy background

What occupancy and parking limits should I follow?

• Maximum 6 adults, with no more than 2 adults per bedroom, and provide at least one off‑street parking space per rental or disclose if parking is prohibited. County Code details

Which taxes apply to short stays in North Bethesda?

• You are responsible for Maryland sales and use tax and the county’s Room Rental/Transient Tax; register and keep records even if a platform collects on your behalf. Maryland Sales & Use Tax | County Transient Tax info

How do neighbors report a suspected violation?

• They can contact MC311 and provide the address, dates, and any listing screenshots; the county may require removal of unlicensed listings and issue citations. How to report and tax info