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US: Muriel Bowser has introduced legislation that would expand access to short-term rentals in Washington, DC, including allowing renters to list their homes.
The Short-Term Rental Regulation Amendment Act of 2026 would permit tenants to operate short-term rentals at their primary residence, provided the property is not subject to rent stabilisation rules and the lease does not prohibit it.
The bill also introduces a new “special event” licence, allowing residents to rent out their homes during designated events and holidays without being present during a guest’s stay.
In addition, the legislation would allow residents to obtain a short-term rental licence for a second property they own in the District. Unoccupied second homes would be limited to 90 rental nights per year.
The proposed changes would also consolidate existing licence categories into a single framework and simplify the definition of a primary residence.
The District said the reforms are intended to clarify existing rules while expanding economic opportunities for residents and supporting tourism activity.
Tiffany Crowe said the changes would make it easier for residents to generate income from their properties.
The legislation has been submitted to the Council of the District of Columbia for review.
Highlights:
- Washington DC has introduced a bill to expand short-term rental access to renters.
- The proposal would allow tenants to rent out their primary residence, subject to lease and rent control rules.
- A new “special event” licence would permit short-term rentals without host presence during designated periods.
