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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Salem, SC

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as lodgings furnished for less than 90 consecutive days. Operators must register their property through the Oconee County Online Payment and Registration Portal and are required to collect and remit local accommodations taxes (3% in unincorporated areas, 1.5% in municipalities) by the 20th of each month.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register the property with Oconee County via the official Online Payment and Registration Portal (HostCompliance). 2. Collect and remit the local accommodations tax (LAT) by the 20th of each month for the previous reporting period.

Official Resources

Official Salem STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Salem, SC?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Salem, SC, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals are defined as lodgings furnished for less than 90 consecutive days. Operators must register their property through the Oconee County Online Payment and Registration Portal and are required to collect and remit local accommodations taxes (3% in unincorporated areas, 1.5% in municipalities) by the 20th of each month. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Salem, SC?
Short-term rentals are defined as lodgings furnished for less than 90 consecutive days. Operators must register their property through the Oconee County Online Payment and Registration Portal and are required to collect and remit local accommodations taxes (3% in unincorporated areas, 1.5% in municipalities) by the 20th of each month.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Salem?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Salem. 1. Register the property with Oconee County via the official Online Payment and Registration Portal (HostCompliance). 2. Collect and remit the local accommodations tax (LAT) by the 20th of each month for the previous reporting period.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Salem?
1. Register the property with Oconee County via the official Online Payment and Registration Portal (HostCompliance). 2. Collect and remit the local accommodations tax (LAT) by the 20th of each month for the previous reporting period.
Is Vrbo legal in Salem, SC?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Salem, SC, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Salem?
Short-term rental hosts in Salem 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 Salem?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Salem. 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