Bill > HB705

This bill establishes new regulations for short-term rentals in Maryland by defining key terms and limiting local government restrictions. Specifically, the bill defines a "short-term rental" as a residential dwelling unit or portion of a unit used for housing for less than 31 consecutive days, explicitly excluding hotels, motels, boarding houses, and student housing. An "operator" is defined broadly to include anyone offering such accommodations, whether they are the owner, lessee, sublessee, or in another possessory capacity. The bill prevents county or municipal governing bodies from enacting local laws that would prohibit someone from offering a property as a short-term rental solely because they are a lessee or sublessee. However, the bill also preserves property owners' rights to prohibit or limit the use of their property as a short-term rental by their lessees or sublessees. This legislation aims to provide more flexibility for potential short-term rental operators while maintaining property owners' control over their properties. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving local jurisdictions and property owners time to prepare for the new regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0705?ys=2025RS