Rental Information

A: Yes. All rental properties in unincorporated Worcester County require a license, regardless of rental term. Properties within Ocean City, Berlin, Pocomoke City, or Snow Hill are governed by their municipal licensing programs where applicable.

A: Yes. The licensee shall notify the County of any changes affecting the rental property, including changes in property management or mailing address, discontinuation of rental operations, nonrenewal of the rental license, or conversion between short-term and long-term rental use.

A: No. Each property requires its own separate rental license.

A: Licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 60 days before expiration.

A: Typical processing time is 2–3 weeks from the date a complete application is received. Delays may occur if the application is incomplete or if unpermitted structures exist on the property.

You may contact the Department to inquire whether any existing floor plans, site plans, or surveys are already on file for your property. If documents are available and sufficient, they may be used for your application. If no acceptable documents are on file, you will be required to submit them with your application.

A: Staff will contact you to submit missing items. Licenses are not issued until all documents and fees are received and reviewed.

A: Yes. All structures must be disclosed on the site plan. Detached accessory structures(such as sheds, fences, pergolas, or gazebos) are reviewed but do not automatically delay license issuance. Unpermitted work affecting the dwelling itself—including interior work, pools, additions, decks, or structures attached to the house—may require permits and/or a Certificate of Use and Occupancy before a license can be issued.

A: Currently, applications must be submitted in person or by mail.

• Two (2) off-street spaces required towards minimum parking regulations
• Three (3) spaces required if building permit for the dwelling was submitted on or after Jan. 1, 2020
• Stacked or street parking does not count
• Parking space dimensions:
  • Standard space: 10' wide by 20' in depth
  • Parallel space: 10' by 23'

   

• An individual;
• Two or more persons related by blood or marriage; or
• Up to five (5) persons not related by blood or marriage living together as a single housekeeping group.

A: No. Events or functions for non-lodgers are prohibited, regardless of payment or barter.

A: No. Licenses are non-transferable. New owners must apply for a new license.

A: Yes, for short-term (Class 1) and long-term rentals under 4 months (Class 2A). Contact Worcester County Treasurer’s Office for more info.

A: Complaints related to trash, housing conditions, or the physical maintenance of a rental property should be submitted to the Worcester County Rental License Program as a housing or property maintenance complaint. These issues are enforced under the Property Maintenance Code, which can be viewed online at https://ecode360.com/14004790