Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-06
TL;DR
Virginia Beach requires Short-Term Rental Annual Registration (Commissioner of Revenue) + Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit ($250) with no primary-residence requirement. Combined tax rate is 15% + $2/night. No annual day limit.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Short-Term Rental Annual Registration (Commissioner of Revenue) + Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit ($250)
Primary Residence Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit
Tax Rate 15% + $2/night
Max Penalty $500/day
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Annual Registration (Commissioner of Revenue) + Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit

FeeAmount
Initial cost$250
Renewal$250 / 1 year

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Annual registration with Commissioner of Revenue (ministerial, provides name and property address). Zoning permit required separately. If lessee/sublessee, must provide attestation that property owner granted permission.

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Virginia Beach Transient Occupancy Tax 8% City of Virginia Beach
Regional Transient Occupancy Tax 1% Virginia (Hampton Roads region)
Virginia State Sales Tax 6% Virginia Department of Taxation
Flat fee $2 per night City of Virginia Beach

Combined rate: 15% + $2/night of gross rental income.

Collection: Platform auto-remit (accommodations intermediaries collect and remit); self-remit for direct bookings

Filing: Monthly (due by 20th of following month)

Rental Limits

Virginia Beach does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Maximum 3 people per bedroom after 11 p.m.

Zoning & Restrictions

STRs are subject to the Short-Term Rental Overlay District regulations. Only properties in designated STR overlay zones are permitted. Properties outside overlay districts require conditional use permit or are prohibited.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Virginia Beach does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

Penalties for Non-Compliance

$500/day penalty for unregistered operation; 10% late filing penalty (min $10); Class 1 misdemeanor for violations

Platform Requirements

Accommodations intermediaries (Airbnb, VRBO) must collect and remit transient occupancy tax. Must report property addresses and gross receipts monthly to Commissioner of Revenue. $500 penalty for failing to timely provide report.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach:

  1. Meet safety requirements. No outdoor amplified noise after 10 p.m. or before 10 a.m. No events over 50 people without special events permit. No more than 3 special events per year. No more than 2 rental contracts per consecutive 7-day period. Emergency contact/agent must respond within 30 minutes of complaint call.
  2. Apply for Short-Term Rental Annual Registration (Commissioner of Revenue) + Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit. Submit application + $250 fee.
  3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue.
  4. Collect and remit taxes. 15% + $2/night on all bookings.
  5. Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Virginia Beach requires a short-term rental permit.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Virginia Beach?
A short-term rental permit in Virginia Beach costs $250 per year.
Does Virginia Beach require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
No. Virginia Beach allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.
What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Virginia Beach?
Short-term rental stays in Virginia Beach are subject to a combined 15% in lodging taxes. This combines 8% Virginia Beach Transient Occupancy Tax + 1% Regional Transient Occupancy Tax + 6% Virginia State Sales Tax + $2 per night Flat fee. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Virginia Beach?
Operating without a permit can cost up to $500/day.

Official Sources

  1. Short-Term Rental Operating Rules — City of Virginia Beach
  2. Article 23 — Short-Term Rental Overlay District | Code of Ordinances | Virginia Beach, VA
  3. Transient Occupancy Taxes — City of Virginia Beach