Short-Term Rental Regulations in Virginia
State Overview
Virginia has no broad state preemption. Under Virginia Code § 15.2-983, localities retain general land use and zoning authority over STRs. The state imposes a 5.3% Retail Sales Tax in addition to any local taxes. Cities in Virginia
| City | Permit | Tax Rate | Day Limit | Primary Res. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | ✓ Required | 9.5% + $1.25 per room per night (combined City + State transient lodging tax) | No limit | No | → |
| Charlottesville | ✓ Required | 14.3% (9% city Transient Occupancy Tax + 5.3% Virginia Retail Sales & Use Tax) | No annual cap · per-stay limit | Required | → |
| Chincoteague | ✓ Required | 10.3% | No limit | No | → |
| Richmond | ✓ Required | 14% | No limit | Required | → |
| Virginia Beach | ✓ Required | 15% + $2/night | No limit | No | → |
| Williamsburg | ✓ Required | 14% + $2/night | 104 days | Required | → |
Virginia's STR Landscape
Virginia does not have a uniform STR framework, leaving regulation to individual municipalities. The state imposes a 5.3% Retail Sales Tax in addition to local taxes.
Regulation varies significantly across cities. Some cities (Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg) require primary residence, while others (Alexandria, Chincoteague, Virginia Beach) allow non-owner-occupied rentals. Tax rates vary from 9.5% + $1.25 per room per night (combined City + State transient lodging tax) to 15% + $2/night.
Popular Short-Term Rental Markets
High-demand markets in other states — compare their permit, tax, and day-limit rules:
- Nashville STR regulations
- Miami Beach STR regulations
- Short-term rental rules in Asheville
- Short-term rental rules in Myrtle Beach
- Gatlinburg, TN rental rules
- Austin STR regulations
- New Orleans short-term rental permits
- Short-term rental rules in San Diego
- Savannah, GA rental rules
- Scottsdale short-term rental permits
Other States
Alabama 2 cities Alaska 1 city Arizona 8 cities Arkansas 3 cities California 28 cities Colorado 12 cities Connecticut 1 city Delaware 2 cities District of Columbia 1 city Florida 24 cities Georgia 6 cities Hawaii 4 cities Idaho 3 cities Illinois 2 cities Indiana 2 cities Kentucky 2 cities Louisiana 1 city Maine 4 cities Maryland 3 cities Massachusetts 6 cities Michigan 4 cities Minnesota 1 city Mississippi 2 cities Missouri 4 cities Montana 3 cities Nevada 1 city New Hampshire 2 cities New Jersey 5 cities New Mexico 3 cities New York 5 cities North Carolina 7 cities Ohio 3 cities Oklahoma 3 cities Oregon 3 cities Pennsylvania 4 cities Rhode Island 2 cities South Carolina 7 cities South Dakota 2 cities Tennessee 7 cities Texas 13 cities Utah 7 cities Vermont 2 cities Washington 4 cities West Virginia 1 city Wisconsin 4 cities Wyoming 1 city