Ocean City is a ten-mile barrier island resort where most of the rental stock is condos and townhomes, and the season is short and intense. The town licenses every rental unit, the county room tax went up in 2026, and the debate over rentals in single-family neighborhoods has gone back and forth through two referendums. Here is what hosts need to know before hiring a cleaner or co-host.
As of 2026, every rental property in the Town of Ocean City needs an annual Rental License and Noise Control Permit, which the town lists at $196 for a single-family home. If you rent for 30 consecutive days or fewer, you also need a Short-Term Rental Housing Unit License for an additional $50. New applications are accepted in person or by mail, and new licenses must schedule a rental inspection within 30 days.
In R-1 single-family districts, occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom plus two more. In other districts the town uses floor area to set occupancy.
Rules for the R-1 and mobile home (MH) districts have been contested. Voters overturned a minimum-stay ordinance in 2025, the council then passed a moratorium on new STR licenses in those districts, and in February 2026 the council repealed that measure rather than face a second referendum. These districts are a small share of the town's rentals, but if your property is in one, confirm current status with the town before buying or applying.
Taxes: Maryland's 6% sales tax applies, and Worcester County's room tax, which covers Ocean City, rose from 5% to 6% on January 1, 2026. Room tax returns go to the county monthly. Check your platform's tax settings to see which taxes it remits for you, and file the rest yourself.
We did not find a published local price survey, so compare written quotes. Condos with elevators and limited parking take longer per unit than their size suggests. Sand is constant, and many weekly rentals expect guests to bring their own linens, so ask whether a quote includes laundry and whether you want to offer linen service at all.
The core season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with heavy Saturday and Sunday changeovers. Shoulder season events such as the spring car shows and Sunfest in September bring busy weekends. Winter is quiet, and many cleaners have reduced availability or work other jobs. Lock in your summer crew by early spring, and ask what their capacity is on the busiest July Saturdays.
Yes. As of 2026 you need the annual Rental License and Noise Control Permit plus the Short-Term Rental Housing Unit License if any stays are 30 days or fewer.
Maryland sales tax is 6% and Worcester County room tax is 6% as of January 2026. Verify current rates with the county and the Comptroller.
The moratorium was repealed in February 2026, but these districts have changed several times. Confirm with the town before you apply.
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