Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Aiken, SC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Aiken, SC, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals of less than 30 days. They are not permitted in all zoning districts; some districts require a Special Exception or variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. All operators must register for and remit a 3% local accommodations tax monthly for stays under 90 days. 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.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals of less than 30 days. They are not permitted in all zoning districts; some districts require a Special Exception or variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. All operators must register for and remit a 3% local accommodations tax monthly for stays under 90 days.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Aiken. 1. Verify zoning: Contact the Planning Department to confirm if STRs are allowed in your district or if a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals is required. 2. Register for Taxes: Submit an Application for Accommodation Tax Account to the Business Licensing office. 3. Compliance: Collect and remit the 3% local accommodations tax by the 20th of each month.

1. Verify zoning: Contact the Planning Department to confirm if STRs are allowed in your district or if a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals is required. 2. Register for Taxes: Submit an Application for Accommodation Tax Account to the Business Licensing office. 3. Compliance: Collect and remit the 3% local accommodations tax by the 20th of each month.

Vrbo is permitted in Aiken, SC 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Aiken 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Aiken. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.