Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington County, VT

Airbnb listings are allowed in Washington County, VT, but with restrictions. STRs require an active annual registration (due April 1) and issuance of a Short-Term Rental Authorization/Registration Number; the registration number must be listed on all listings; owners must supply property address, unit counts, parking, owner contact and manager information; owners who do not live within Washington County must designate a managing agent or emergency contact located in Washington County; annual registration fee per unit set by City Council. 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.

STRs require an active annual registration (due April 1) and issuance of a Short-Term Rental Authorization/Registration Number; the registration number must be listed on all listings; owners must supply property address, unit counts, parking, owner contact and manager information; owners who do not live within Washington County must designate a managing agent or emergency contact located in Washington County; annual registration fee per unit set by City Council.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Washington County. 1) Complete and submit the City of Montpelier Short-Term Rental registration application and required information/fee to the Planning Department (or designee). 2) City Enforcement Officer/Planning Department reviews the submission; upon complete submission and payment, the City issues a Short-Term Rental Authorization and Registration Number. (Fees set by City Council; proof of ownership may be required.)

1) Complete and submit the City of Montpelier Short-Term Rental registration application and required information/fee to the Planning Department (or designee). 2) City Enforcement Officer/Planning Department reviews the submission; upon complete submission and payment, the City issues a Short-Term Rental Authorization and Registration Number. (Fees set by City Council; proof of ownership may be required.)

Vrbo is permitted in Washington County, VT 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 Washington County 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 Washington County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.