Virginia Short-Term Rental Laws by City (2026)
Short-term rental rules in Virginia are set city by city — a property that is legal to rent nightly in one town can be prohibited a few miles away. The table below covers 1 Virginia city (1 human-verified against official sources), with each city's legal status, permit cost, and last-verified date.
Statewide short-term rental rules in Virginia
Virginia has no statewide short-term rental license or registry — regulation is left mostly to cities and counties, which Va. Code § 15.2-983 authorizes to run annual STR registries with penalties up to $500 per violation. Since July 1, 2024, the state partially preempts local control: ordinances enacted after December 31, 2023 cannot require a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit for renting a dwelling that is the owner's primary residence, and localities cannot bar lessees/sublessees from operating with the owner's permission (though they may limit each lessee to one rental). Stays of fewer than 90 continuous days are subject to Virginia retail sales and use tax (5.3% base, 6%-7% in some regions), which Airbnb/Vrbo-style 'accommodations intermediaries' must collect and remit along with local transient occupancy taxes. City and county rules apply on top of state law — check your local market's page.
| City | Status | Permit fee | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | Restricted | $500 | July 10, 2026 |
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This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations change frequently — verify current requirements with each jurisdiction before operating. HOA and condo rules may prohibit short-term rentals regardless of city law.