2026 GUIDE • WASHINGTON DC

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Washington DC in 2026

A short-term rental permit in Washington DC costs $50 – $250 in 2026 for the license itself, plus permit fees if your unit needs a dedicated-use inspection or any build-out.

DC regulates short-term rentals through a licensing system, and the phrase “permit” hides two different things: the rental license, and any Department of Buildings (DOB) permit for physical work on the unit. Most hosts only need the license — but the ones who convert a basement or add a kitchen find out quickly that construction is a separate line item.

Cost breakdown (2026)

Fee component	Typical 2026 cost
Short-term rental license (host-occupied)	$50 – $110
Short-term rental license (expanded / non-host-occupied)	$150 – $250
DOB filing fee (if construction is involved)	$32
Base permit fee on a minor build-out	$65 – $300
Technology fee (10%) on permit fees	~10% of permit fees
Enhancement fee (6%) on permit fees	~6% of permit fees
Typical total	$50 – $250 (license only)

If your listing requires a real renovation rather than licensing, treat that as a buildout. Our restaurant buildout permit guide walks through the same DOB fee formula on a larger scope.

What affects the price

• Host-occupied vs. expanded. A host renting out their own residence pays less than an operator running multiple or non-owner-occupied units.
• Number of units. Each licensed unit carries its own license fee.
• Physical work on the unit. Converting a space, adding a kitchen, or creating a separate entrance triggers DOB permits and inspections.
• Condominium or HOA rules. Building rules can require approvals independent of the city.
• Historic district status. Exterior changes need preservation review, which adds time and cost.

How the fee is calculated

The license fee is set by class, not by valuation. Where construction is involved, the DOB fee formula under the DOB fee schedule (2026) applies:

1. Filing fee: roughly $32 up front.
2. Base permit fee: tiered by declared construction value — about $148 for the first $1,000, then approximately $10 per additional $1,000. Minimum flat tiers for very low-value work run around $33 – $65.
3. 10% technology fee on top of the permit fee.
4. 6% enhancement fee on top of that.
5. Zoning fee where a zoning review applies, such as a use-change or a new accessory unit.

Because fees scale with declared construction value, a pure license filing stays cheap, while a basement conversion declares real value and climbs the tiers. Trade permits for any electrical or plumbing work are added separately.

Two more costs hide in this process. If your unit is inside a condominium or cooperative, the building’s covenants can require their own review and approval, which takes time even when the city clears you quickly. And insurance for a short-term rental typically costs more than a standard homeowner policy, so the true cost of licensing a unit is the license fee plus these operating add-ons. Budget for both when you decide whether the nightly rate actually pencils out.

Timeline & steps

1. Confirm eligibility. DC limits short-term rentals, particularly for non-owner-occupied units. Check the current rules before you invest.
2. Apply for the license. Submit the application with proof of ownership or tenancy and the required attestations.
3. Register on platforms. Add your license number to each listing.
4. Construction (if any): file through CitizenAccess, allow 2 – 6 weeks for review, then inspect and close out the permit.
5. Renew. Licenses renew on a cycle; keep the number current to stay listed.

Common mistakes

• Listing before licensing. Platforms check, and enforcement is active.
• Treating a conversion as licensing only. New kitchens, bedrooms, or egress changes need DOB permits.
• Ignoring condo rules. City approval does not override your building’s covenants.
• Missing the renewal. An expired license can take your listing offline mid-season.

FAQ

Is a short-term rental permit the same as a business license?

No. The short-term rental license is a specific registration tied to the unit. Depending on your operation, a general business license may also apply.

How much is the license for a host-occupied unit?

Host-occupied licenses generally run roughly $50 – $110, while expanded or non-owner-occupied licenses run higher, around $150 – $250.

Do I need an inspection of the unit?

Licensing itself typically does not require a construction inspection. Any physical alteration to the unit does require a DOB permit and inspection.

Can I rent a basement apartment short-term?

Only if the unit is legally established and meets occupancy rules. Converting an unpermitted basement triggers zoning and building permits.

Does the 10% technology fee and 6% enhancement fee apply?

Those surcharges apply to DOB permit fees where construction is involved, not to the license fee itself.

Disclaimer

Figures on this page are 2026 estimates based on the DC Department of Buildings fee schedule. Fee schedules change; always verify current amounts with DOB directly or through the CitizenAccess portal before filing. This article is informational and is not legal or financial advice.