OCEAN CITY, Md. – Linda Tucker is just one homeowner in North Ocean City, figuring out next steps after town council banned short term rentals in the R1 Single Family Development and the Mobile Home Residential District.

Tucker, who relies on her rental property for secondary income, said this move will put other renters at a disadvantage.

“So many people just can’t even afford it now,” said Tucker. “You can rent it for the next two years, but no less than 5 days, so no 3-day weekends, no Ocean City festivals, unless you add the 2 days in for free.”

Renters will be able to honor any reservations made before March 3rd without restrictions, but any reservations made between now and January 2027 require a 5-night minimum stay. After that, the minimum stay requirement will be 31 nights.

City manager, Terry McGean said the new restrictions will limit disturbances for year-round residents.

“These are where our year-round residents live, they’re where our retirees live, they were never intended to operate as business,” said McGean. “They were never intended to be mini hotels, and that’s what the council is trying to avoid.”

And with the final decision made, some homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and are leaving the resort town.

“We’re getting ready to list our house for sale,” said homeowner, Matthew Dixon. “I think they said there are about 300 homes affected, so we imagine in the next couple years, a lot of people will probably do the same.”

While Dixon and his family are packing up their Montego Bay rental property, getting it market ready, he believes renters in the area are not a nuisance, and said this move hurt local tourism.

“Only about 1 out of 8 homes in here are owned by year-round residents, so it doesn’t really seem like that’s really the vibe. We have a lot of amenities that really appeal to those on vacation,” said Dixon.

But McGean thinks otherwise. He said the change could draw in longer term visitors.

“These neighborhoods are exactly that, they’re neighborhoods. They were not set up for people to run a business. When these rentals are for longer terms, those are longer term residents in there,” said McGean.