| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — annual Town of Fenwick Island STR License; $185/year |
| Tax Rate | DE State 4.5% + 8% Gross Rental Receipts Tax (quarterly) = 12.5% total — highest in Delaware |
| Permit Fee | $185/year; $100 late fee if property rented before license obtained |
| Penalties | License denial; fines; HOA enforcement possible |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum 12 persons per dwelling (hard cap regardless of bedroom count) |
Short-term rental operations in Fenwick Island, Delaware are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — annual Town of Fenwick Island STR License; $185/year. The associated permit fees are $185/year; $100 late fee if property rented before license obtained.
Short-term rental operators in Fenwick Island should be aware of these tax obligations: DE State 4.5% + 8% Gross Rental Receipts Tax (quarterly) = 12.5% total — highest in Delaware.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Fenwick Island include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Maximum 12 persons per dwelling (hard cap regardless of bedroom count).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Fenwick Island: General town zoning; HOA/CC&R restrictions common.
Hosts who fail to comply with Fenwick Island's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. License denial; fines; HOA enforcement possible.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Fenwick Island: License required; Gross Rental Receipts Tax paid quarterly.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Fenwick Island with proper registration and permits. Fenwick Island has the HIGHEST combined STR tax rate in Delaware at 12.5%. Hard 12-person occupancy cap regardless of bedroom count. Local 8% gross rental receipts tax paid quarterly. HOA/CC&R restric
Yes. Fenwick Island requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — annual Town of Fenwick Island STR License; $185/year.
Short-term rental hosts in Fenwick Island are subject to the following tax obligations: DE State 4.5% + 8% Gross Rental Receipts Tax (quarterly) = 12.5% total — highest in Delaware.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Fenwick Island may face enforcement. License denial; fines; HOA enforcement possible.
12.5% combined tax (highest in DE); hard 12-person cap; $185/year license; 8% quarterly local tax.
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