Short Term Rentals

Anyone renting their Talbot County property, or seeking to rent a property in Talbot County, for fourteen weeks or less should be aware of the County’s requirements for Short-Term Rentals. These requirements apply regardless of how the properties are marketed – through a property management company, on-line such as VRBO and Airbnb, newspaper, or word of mouth.

For the licensing of an STR located in the towns of Easton, Oxford, St. Michaels, Trappe, and Queen Anne, please contact the applicable jurisdiction for licensing requirements.  

Apply for Short Term Rental Permit

To lease a home on a short-term basis, all owners of Short-Term Rental (STR) properties in Talbot County are required to obtain a STR license and pay the County Public Accommodations Tax (Chapter 190-63 of the Talbot County Code).

Apply Online

Short Term Rental Board

The Short-Term Rental Review Board reviews all applications and violations for Short Term Rentals. 

See Board Info

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a short term rental permit?

    To lease a home on a short-term basis, all owners of Short-Term Rental (STR) properties in Talbot County are required to obtain a STR license and pay the County Public Accommodations Tax (Chapter 190-63 of the Talbot County Code).

    A renewal application must be received sixty (60) days prior to expiration or the application or the application will be treated as new and shall comply with all new STR application requirements, including a hearing with the Short-Term Rental Review Board.

    For the licensing of an STR located in the towns of Easton, Oxford, St. Michaels, Trappe, and Queen Anne, please contact the applicable jurisdiction for licensing requirements.  

  • How much does permitting a short term rental cost?

    Please refer to the Planning and Zoning fee schedule. Fees are subject to change. 

    A third party ICC certified building inspector may complete the inspections.

  • What does the permit process look like?

    New license applications, when all inspections are completed, will be scheduled for review by the County’s Short-Term Rental Review Board for approval under a public hearing process that requires notification of adjacent and proximate property owners. If approved, the Board may apply conditions to the license to mitigate any potential negative impacts to surrounding properties. The license is valid for one year. 

    New licenses are subject to inspections for compliance with building safety standards related to fire extinguishers, interconnected smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, emergency escape and rescue openings, and means of egress. The Talbot County Environmental Health Department conducts visual inspections of properties’ on-site septic systems.

  • Do I need to renew my permit?

    A renewal application must be received sixty (60) days prior to expiration or the application, or the application will be treated as new and shall comply with all new STR application requirements, including a hearing with the Short-Term Rental Review Board.

    Subsequent renewals can be issued for a two-year period. Renewals may generally be processed administratively without review by the Board.

    For application and updated guidelines, visit here.

  • Do I owe taxes for my short term rental property?

    Homeowners are required to pay the Public Accommodations Tax for provided sleeping accommodations provided to transients. 

    To view current rate: Tax Rates - Talbot County, Maryland (talbotcountymd.gov)

    To submit taxes, fill out the Talbot County Room Tax Report and submit to the Talbot County Department of Finance.

  • What should my guests know about renting a property in the County?

    Planning and Zoning created a helpful guide to provide Homeowners/Renters and the guests with helpful information. See guide here: How To Be a Good Neighbor - Short Term Rental Guide

Short Term Rental Complaints

The Talbot County Code Enforcement Division addresses Short-Term Rental (STR) Property violations, inspections and complaints not located in any of the five incorporated municipalities in Talbot County. Rental properties not exceeding 14 weeks require licensing compliance from Talbot County Planning & Zoning.

See related Talbot County Code: Section 190.63

Filing a STR Complaint

During normal working hours any STR violation report can be forwarded directly to Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement Officers may not be available 24/7 and many incidents can be investigated after the fact. STR complaints after normal hours can also be reported to the 24/7 STR Hotline at 410-819-2284.

To provide a detailed complaint with the ability to add images and videos, use the STR Complaint Portal.

Page last modified Wednesday, January 17, 2024 10:42:03 AM