Salisbury Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

STR Dwelling Unit Registration + Rental Owner's License (HCDD)

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Owner obtains an annual Rental Owner's License from HCDD (one per owner) and registers each STR dwelling unit with HCDD (one per unit), so an owner of three units pays one license and three registrations. Each unit must pass an annual external and internal HCDD inspection, and the owner must submit a signed declaration of compliance (residence status, smoke/CO alarms, posted notices, guest registry, license number on listings, HOA/condo approval if applicable). The license and the registrations renew annually by March 1 with the Department of Finance. Under the FY 2026 fee schedule each of these fees is $120 when paid within 60 days of becoming a new owner or adding a new STR unit, $185 at 61-150 days and $315 after 150 days; each renewal fee is $75 by March 1, $140 from March 2 to July 1 and $270 after July 1.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Hotel owner/operator collects tax from transient guest at time of payment and remits monthly to Wicomico County; Maryland state sales and use tax collected/remitted per Comptroller rules

Filing: Monthly

Rental Limits

Salisbury does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Zoning & Restrictions

No STR-specific zoning restrictions identified — Chapter 15.26 STR registration/licensing applies citywide to rental dwelling units regardless of zoning district.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Salisbury does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom and on every level of the home
• Post emergency contact information, host/agent contact information, street address, and floor plan showing fire exits and escape routes in a conspicuous place in the unit
• Post Housing and Community Development Department contact information (address and email) and city/association rules on parking, noise, and trash
• Maintain a guest registry (guest name, check-in/out dates, rent paid) available for inspection
• Post a valid rental license number on all listings advertising the STR
• Annual external and internal HCDD inspection required to register the unit

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Municipal infraction, fine up to $500 per violation (each day a violation remains uncorrected is a separate violation); failure to renew/register by March 1 triggers noncompliant-owner fee escalation, and failure by July 1 triggers delinquent-owner designation with license revocation and a delinquent fee; unlicensed/unregistered STR units must be vacated (48 hours for STR units after denial/revocation)

Platform Requirements

STR listings must display the property's valid rental license number on all advertising platforms (e.g. Airbnb, Vrbo)

Market Snapshot

Demand context for Salisbury from official government and tourism statistics — the latest published annual figures, not a projection of rental income.

Figures are the latest annual statistics published by the linked official sources (retrieved 2026-07-13). Visitor counts cover the geography stated by each source, which can be wider than the city itself. Regulations above — not market conditions — determine whether and how you may operate.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Salisbury:

1. Meet safety requirements. Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in every bedroom and on every level of the home. Post emergency contact information, host/agent contact information, street address, and floor plan showing fire exits and escape routes in a conspicuous place in the unit. Post Housing and Community Development Department contact information (address and email) and city/association rules on parking, noise, and trash. Maintain a guest registry (guest name, check-in/out dates, rent paid) available for inspection. Post a valid rental license number on all listings advertising the STR. Annual external and internal HCDD inspection required to register the unit.
2. Apply for STR Dwelling Unit Registration + Rental Owner's License (HCDD). Submit application. Fee: $120 per owner + $120 per unit, higher fees after 60 days.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Wicomico County Department of Finance; Comptroller of Maryland.
4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $75 per owner + $75 per unit, higher fees after March 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Salisbury?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Salisbury requires a STR Dwelling Unit Registration + Rental Owner's License.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Salisbury?

A STR Dwelling Unit Registration + Rental Owner's License in Salisbury costs $120 per owner + $120 per unit, higher fees after 60 days. Renewal is $75 per owner + $75 per unit, higher fees after March 1.

Does Salisbury require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Salisbury allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Salisbury?

Salisbury does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Salisbury?

Short-term rental stays in Salisbury are subject to a combined 12% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Wicomico County Hotel Rental Tax + 6% Maryland State Sales and Use Tax. Hosts are legally responsible; many booking platforms collect and remit them automatically on the host's behalf.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in Salisbury?

Penalties run up to $500 per violation (municipal infraction), with each uncorrected day a separate violation.