Virginia Short-Term Rental Rules & Regulations Guide

Virginia short-term rental hosts must comply with state registration requirements under Virginia Code § 15.2-983, as well as local permits, zoning rules, and taxes.

Quick Answer: Virginia's STR Landscape

Virginia's short-term rental regulations exist at both the state and local levels. The state provides a basic registration framework, and localities add their own permits, zoning rules, and taxes. Hosts need to understand these key points:

State Level: Virginia Code § 15.2-983 allows localities to create short-term rental registries and outlines what information these registries must collect. All short-term rental operators must register in localities that have passed an ordinance under this law.

Local Level: Cities, counties, and towns have significant independent power to restrict, permit, or conditionally allow short-term rentals. Local ordinances often create the most complex compliance challenges.

Taxes: Virginia's state sales tax applies to short-term rental income. Local transient occupancy taxes are added on top of this, with rates differing by jurisdiction.

Penalties: Operating without required registrations or permits can lead to fines, forced closure, and liability for back taxes. Some localities consider violations misdemeanors.

Virginia's State-Mandated Short-Term Rental Registration

Virginia Code § 15.2-983 specifically allows localities to establish short-term rental registries and require operators to register. If a locality has adopted an