Salt Lake City vs Washington DC
Utah Effectively Banned | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Salt Lake City, Utah | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Contact city for current details | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Washington DC has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Washington DC has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake City guide →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Salt Lake City or Washington DC?
Salt Lake City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Salt Lake City's permit fee is Contact city for current details compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Salt Lake City or Washington DC?
Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.