Thinking about putting a Chevy Chase home on Airbnb or VRBO? Before you start counting bookings, you need to know exactly where short‑term rentals are allowed and where they are not. Chevy Chase is a patchwork of municipalities, and several have local bans that override county licensing. In this guide, you’ll learn where short‑term rentals are prohibited, when county rules apply, and how to verify a specific address so you can plan with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Chevy Chase STR basics

Short‑term rentals are typically stays of fewer than 30 days. In Montgomery County, a countywide licensing program sets basic safety, licensing, and tax‑reporting requirements for hosts. Those rules apply in unincorporated areas and in municipalities that do not prohibit short‑term rentals or that defer to county rules. Incorporated municipalities can set their own standards, including outright bans.

The big takeaway is simple: your exact municipal location drives what you can and cannot do. Two homes a few blocks apart can fall under different governments and different rules.

Where STRs are prohibited

Several Chevy Chase municipalities prohibit short‑term rentals. If a property sits inside one of these boundaries, a county license will not allow you to operate.

• Town of Chevy Chase — prohibits short‑term rentals under its ordinances.
• Village of Chevy Chase — prohibits short‑term rentals.
• Chevy Chase Section 3 — prohibits short‑term rentals.

A municipal prohibition usually means any transient rental, whether owner‑occupied or not, is not allowed. Do not assume exceptions exist without reading the current ordinance or speaking with the municipal clerk.

When county licensing applies

If a property is outside a municipality that bans short‑term rentals, the Montgomery County licensing framework may apply. Expect a process that typically includes:

• A license or registration application and renewal.
• Host contact and emergency information available to neighbors.
• Safety and habitability standards, such as smoke and CO detectors, egress, and fire extinguishers.
• Possible primary‑residence requirements, occupancy limits, and parking rules.
• Inspections or self‑certifications for safety items.
• Collection and remittance of state and local taxes on stays.

County programs evolve, so confirm steps, forms, and fees with the county’s official short‑term rental licensing page before you proceed.

How to verify an address

Because rules change at the municipal boundary, verifying the property’s exact location is essential. Use this quick process before you rely on rental income in your numbers.

1. Confirm the municipality. Check the Montgomery County GIS parcel map and municipal boundary maps to see whether the property sits in the Town of Chevy Chase, Village of Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase Section 3, or another jurisdiction. If the lot touches a boundary, contact the municipality or the county tax assessor for confirmation.

2. Read the ordinance. Review the municipal code or call the clerk’s office to confirm whether short‑term rentals are prohibited and whether any narrow exceptions apply. Ask if any amendments are pending.

3. Check county rules if eligible. If the address is outside a prohibiting municipality, review the county’s licensing application, safety standards, owner‑occupancy rules, and fee schedule.

4. Verify taxes. Confirm current state transient or sales tax requirements and any county taxes you must collect and remit. Tax rates and filing processes change.

5. Review HOA or condo documents. Association rules often restrict or ban short‑term rentals regardless of local law. Obtain the declaration, bylaws, rules, and any enforcement history.

6. Ask for disclosures. If you are buying, request the seller’s history of short‑term rental use, licenses, inspections, complaints, or fines.

7. Confirm insurance and financing. Some insurers require endorsements for short‑term rental activity. Lenders may have restrictions if a home will be used for transient occupancy. Verify terms in writing.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Assuming you can operate because someone nearby does. That listing may be in a different municipality or may be operating illegally.
• Overlooking condo or HOA restrictions that supersede your plans.
• Relying on platform policies. Platforms can remove listings if local authorities report violations.
• Purchasing a property used as a short‑term rental in a prohibiting municipality. You may inherit violations and will not be able to continue operations.

Buying with STR income in mind

If projected short‑term rental income is part of your purchase analysis, build verification into your due diligence timeline. Validate the municipal status on day one, price out any safety upgrades you will need for licensing, and model conservative occupancy assumptions in case of policy changes. Treat tax and insurance costs as operating expenses in your pro forma.

What to do next

• Start with the address. Confirm municipal boundaries first, then move to county licensing details.
• Gather documents. Municipal code language, HOA rules, prior licenses, inspection records, and any notices of violation will give you a clear picture.
• Decide your path. If an address falls inside a prohibiting municipality, consider a traditional long‑term lease, a sale strategy, or a different investment target nearby that qualifies under county rules.

When you have clarity on location and rules, you can make smart, low‑risk decisions about hosting or purchasing.

Let’s talk strategy

If you are weighing a purchase or planning a sale where short‑term rental potential is part of the story, a local, data‑first perspective helps. Our team routinely guides clients through boundary verification, code review, HOA due diligence, and presentation plans that unlock value even when STR income is off the table. When it makes sense to sell, our concierge approach coordinates staging and light renovations with deferred payment, so you can focus on your next move while we manage the details.

Ready to explore your options or get a clear read on a specific address? Reach out to Unknown Company to start the conversation and get your instant home valuation.

FAQs

Are short‑term rentals allowed anywhere in Chevy Chase?

• It depends on the exact municipality. The Town of Chevy Chase, the Village of Chevy Chase, and Chevy Chase Section 3 prohibit short‑term rentals. Properties outside prohibiting municipalities may fall under Montgomery County’s licensing program.

Does a county short‑term rental license override a municipal ban?

• No. Municipal rules control inside municipal boundaries. A county license does not authorize operation in a municipality that prohibits short‑term rentals.

How do I confirm if a specific address is inside a prohibiting municipality?

• Check the county GIS parcel map and municipal boundary maps, then verify with the municipality or county tax assessor if the parcel is near a boundary.

What else can block short‑term rentals besides local law?

• Condo and HOA governing documents often restrict or ban short‑term rentals. Insurance carriers and mortgage lenders may also impose limits.

What taxes apply if my property is eligible to host?

• Hosts are generally responsible for collecting and remitting applicable state and local taxes on short stays. Confirm current requirements with the state and county before operating.