Is Garrett County, Maryland Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Garrett County, Maryland, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Garrett County Planning and Land Development Department, as the county requires short-term rental properties to comply with specific zoning requirements and may need conditional use permits in certain areas. Contact the Garrett County Health Department to obtain necessary health permits and inspections, particularly for septic systems common in rural areas, and register your business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation while obtaining a Maryland sales tax license since you'll need to collect and remit state and local taxes on rental income. Find a suitable property by focusing on areas near Deep Creek Lake, Wisp Resort, or other tourist attractions, ensuring the property meets county building codes and has adequate parking and septic capacity for guest occupancy. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts visiting for skiing, boating, or hiking, including items like kayaks, fishing gear, or winter sports equipment. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Garrett County, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with higher prices during ski season (December-March) and summer lake season (June-August). Manage your property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and property management companies familiar with the area's seasonal challenges, while maintaining compliance with ongoing health inspections and tax obligations, and consider joining the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce to network with other hospitality providers and stay informed about local tourism trends and regulations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Garrett County, Maryland, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Deep Creek Lake, Wisp Resort, and state parks like Swallow Falls, as these areas drive the highest occupancy rates year-round. Target properties with 3-4 bedrooms, hot tubs, lake or mountain views, game rooms, and outdoor amenities like fire pits or decks, as these features command premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons. Analyze pricing by studying comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius, noting that lakefront properties typically earn 30-40% more than non-waterfront homes, while ski-in/ski-out properties near Wisp can achieve $300-500 nightly rates during winter months. Research competition density using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify areas with less than 15% STR saturation, and examine seasonal demand patterns showing peak periods during summer lake season (June-August) and winter ski season (December-March). Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local market data from the Garrett County tourism board, while partnering with local property management companies like Railey Realty or Deep Creek Vacations who understand zoning regulations and can provide insights on the most profitable neighborhoods for vacation rental investments.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Garrett County, Maryland, you must first contact the Garrett County Planning and Land Development Department at 203 S. 4th Street, Oakland, MD 21550 or call (301) 334-1920 to apply for a Short-Term Rental License. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire department, septic system inspection if applicable, and a site plan showing parking areas and emergency access routes. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $100-125. You must also obtain a business license from the Garrett County Clerk's Office for an additional $50-75 fee. The property must comply with zoning regulations (check if STRs are permitted in your specific zone), maintain adequate parking spaces (typically 2 spaces minimum), install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, provide emergency contact information to neighbors, and limit occupancy based on septic capacity and square footage. The approval timeline is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, though inspections may extend this period. Some areas near Deep Creek Lake may have additional restrictions or seasonal limitations, so verify specific zoning requirements for your property location before applying.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Garrett County, Maryland, but operate under specific zoning and regulatory requirements established by the county. As of recent years, Garrett County has implemented regulations that typically require STR operators to obtain proper permits and comply with zoning ordinances, with properties generally allowed in residential areas but subject to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency egress. The county has been working to balance the tourism economy, which is significant due to Deep Creek Lake and other recreational attractions, with residential community concerns about noise, traffic, and neighborhood character. Recent legal changes have included more formalized permitting processes and enhanced enforcement mechanisms, though specific restrictions may vary by zoning district, with some areas potentially having density limitations or requiring conditional use permits. Property owners must typically register their STRs, pay applicable taxes, and ensure compliance with health and safety codes, while certain residential zones may have stricter limitations on the number of guests or operational requirements compared to areas zoned for more intensive recreational use.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Garrett County, Maryland are Deep Creek Lake, McHenry, and Oakland. Deep Creek Lake is the premier destination, attracting year-round tourists for water activities in summer and skiing at Wisp Resort in winter, with consistent demand from families and groups seeking lakefront properties. McHenry offers proximity to Deep Creek Lake at potentially lower property costs while still capturing the lake tourism market, plus access to Swallow Falls State Park which draws nature enthusiasts and photographers. Oakland, the county seat, provides opportunities for business travelers visiting government offices and serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation areas, offering more affordable investment options with steady demand from both leisure and business guests visiting this western Maryland mountain region known for its outdoor recreation, state parks, and seasonal tourism.

Airbnb properties in Garrett County, Maryland are subject to Maryland's state sales tax of 6% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. The state requires hosts to register for a sales tax license and collect the tax from guests, remitting it monthly to the Maryland Comptroller's office if monthly collections exceed $100, or quarterly if less. Additionally, Garrett County imposes a local hotel/motel tax of 5% on transient accommodations, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 11% for most Airbnb stays. Hosts must register with the Garrett County Finance Department and remit local taxes quarterly by the 20th of January, April, July, and October. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals under a certain dollar threshold per month, typically around $200-300 in gross receipts. The county may also require a transient rental license and compliance with local zoning regulations, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and potential suspension of rental privileges.

Starting an Airbnb in Garrett County, Maryland requires approximately $285,000-$350,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $275,000-$325,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and county registration requirements. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs approximately $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run about $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300-$500/month), cleaning services ($75-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if outsourced (15-25% of revenue) total approximately $8,000-$15,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in Garrett County's tourism market.

Airbnb properties in Garrett County, Maryland demonstrate strong profitability potential, with average annual revenues ranging from $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties near Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort. Properties typically achieve 60-75% occupancy rates during peak seasons (summer and winter), with nightly rates averaging $150-$300 depending on size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 35-45% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$125 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs. Successful properties often achieve net profit margins of 25-35%, with lakefront cabins and ski-accessible homes performing best. Key success factors include proximity to outdoor recreation activities, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and seasonal pricing optimization. Properties within 2 miles of Deep Creek Lake consistently outperform those in more remote locations, with some premium lakefront rentals generating over $60,000 annually. The market benefits from year-round tourism driven by water sports, skiing at Wisp Resort, and fall foliage, though winter months typically see 20-30% lower occupancy rates outside holiday periods.

Airbnb investments in Garrett County, Maryland typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to Deep Creek Lake and year-round tourism from skiing at Wisp Resort and summer lake activities. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Deep Creek Lake commanding premium rates of $200-400 per night during peak seasons and $100-200 during off-peak periods. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with luxury lakefront cabins and ski-accessible properties reaching break-even faster at 12-18 months due to higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties within 5 miles of Deep Creek Lake or Wisp Resort typically outperform the county average, with some premium locations achieving ROI as high as 22% when factoring in property appreciation of 4-6% annually in this recreational market that attracts visitors from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors, including in Garrett County, Maryland. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties in the area include Railey Realty, Coldwell Banker Realty, and Long & Foster Real Estate, with many agents specifically marketing properties near Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Resort for their Airbnb potential. National services like AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections for the region, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that cover Garrett County's vacation rental market. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services for investors who purchase Airbnb properties in the area. Local property management companies such as Deep Creek Accommodations and Railey Vacations specialize in managing short-term rentals around Deep Creek Lake, which is the primary tourist destination in Garrett County. BiggerPockets serves as a national real estate investment community with members active in Maryland markets, and companies like Roofstock and HomeUnion occasionally feature investment properties in the region, though their inventory in Garrett County may be limited due to the area's smaller market size.