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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Matthews, NC

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs must maintain an 800-foot separation from other STRs. Occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom; special events, exterior signage, and cooking facilities in bedrooms are prohibited. A local manager must be located in or adjacent to Mecklenburg County.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the Town of Matthews Short Term Rental Zoning Permit application. 2) Pay the $250 application fee (as initially set) to obtain the permit. Permits must be renewed annually at the same rate.

Official Resources

Official Matthews STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Matthews, NC?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Matthews, NC, but with restrictions. STRs must maintain an 800-foot separation from other STRs. Occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom; special events, exterior signage, and cooking facilities in bedrooms are prohibited. A local manager must be located in or adjacent to Mecklenburg County. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Matthews, NC?
STRs must maintain an 800-foot separation from other STRs. Occupancy is limited to 2 guests per bedroom; special events, exterior signage, and cooking facilities in bedrooms are prohibited. A local manager must be located in or adjacent to Mecklenburg County.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Matthews?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Matthews. 1) Complete and submit the Town of Matthews Short Term Rental Zoning Permit application. 2) Pay the $250 application fee (as initially set) to obtain the permit. Permits must be renewed annually at the same rate.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Matthews?
1) Complete and submit the Town of Matthews Short Term Rental Zoning Permit application. 2) Pay the $250 application fee (as initially set) to obtain the permit. Permits must be renewed annually at the same rate.
Is Vrbo legal in Matthews, NC?
Vrbo is permitted in Matthews, NC under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Matthews?
Short-term rental hosts in Matthews are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Matthews?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Matthews. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction