Maryland Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Maryland imposes its 6% state sales tax on short-term lodging, and counties add hotel/motel room taxes ranging from 5% to 9.5%. Ocean City, Annapolis, and Deep Creek Lake are major STR markets. Worcester County requires rental licenses and safety inspections.
Varies by county; required in most tourist areas
STR license
6% state sales tax + local hotel/motel tax (varies
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
Maryland Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Maryland requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for MD short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Maryland Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Maryland can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Varies by county; required in most tourist areas — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Maryland Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Maryland Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Maryland vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with MD requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Maryland property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Maryland occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Maryland House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Maryland under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Maryland Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Maryland imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for MD vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 6% state sales tax + local hotel/motel tax (varies) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in MD |
Sample Maryland Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Maryland-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF MARYLAND
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Maryland Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Maryland Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Maryland Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Maryland vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Maryland Resources
Use these official resources for Maryland short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create Your Maryland Vacation Rental Agreement
Answer a few questions and download your MD-compliant document in minutes.
No account required. Free to create and preview.