The Short-term Rental Regulation Amendment Act of 2026 seeks to enhance access to short-term rental licenses in the District of Columbia by allowing both renters and owners of second properties to obtain licenses, thereby aligning local regulations with those of neighboring areas. The bill introduces new definitions such as "family member" and "metropolitan area," while modifying the definitions of "primary residence" and "short-term rental." A significant addition is the establishment of a "Short-term Rental: Special Event" endorsement, which permits hosts to rent their homes for special events without being limited by the current 90-day rental restriction. Furthermore, the legislation requires booking service platforms to obtain a business license and mandates that hosts include their short-term rental license endorsement number in their listings.

To ensure compliance and protect residents, the bill includes provisions that require hosts to notify the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection when selling their primary residence or terminating their lease. It prohibits short-term rentals in rent-stabilized units and imposes a two-year ban on obtaining a license for those whose licenses have been revoked. Additionally, the bill allows military service members to be exempt from the 90-day maximum stay and establishes stricter requirements for proof of residency and adherence to local regulations. Overall, the amendment aims to promote the economic benefits of short-term rentals while maintaining regulatory oversight and community protection.