Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Albemarle County, VA

Homestays (short-term rentals <30 days) are permitted only on the owner’s primary residence and only in single-family dwellings (not in townhomes, duplexes, apartments, or condominiums). Guest-bedroom and unhosted-stay limits vary by zoning and parcel acreage (most parcels limited to 2 guest bedrooms; parcels 5+ acres may allow up to 5 and limited unhosted stays of 7 days/month and 45 days/year). Hosts must provide on-parcel parking (no street parking), pass a fire/building safety inspection, maintain a Responsible Agent within 30 miles, and owners must reside on the parcel at least 180 days/year.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Albemarle County. 1) Apply for a Homestay Zoning Clearance with Community Development (Homestay Clearance application) and pay the stated application/inspection fee ($169 + 4% Technology Surcharge). 2) Pass a required fire safety and building code inspection, enroll on the Short-Term Rental Registry by emailing the registry form to homestays@albemarle.org, and obtain a business license and remit Transient Occupancy Tax. 3) Renew annually by submitting the Short-Term Rental Registry Annual Application ($27 re-enrollment fee) and passing the annual fire safety inspection ($50 fee); if you cannot meet standards, apply for a Special Exception before operating.

1) Apply for a Homestay Zoning Clearance with Community Development (Homestay Clearance application) and pay the stated application/inspection fee ($169 + 4% Technology Surcharge). 2) Pass a required fire safety and building code inspection, enroll on the Short-Term Rental Registry by emailing the registry form to homestays@albemarle.org, and obtain a business license and remit Transient Occupancy Tax. 3) Renew annually by submitting the Short-Term Rental Registry Annual Application ($27 re-enrollment fee) and passing the annual fire safety inspection ($50 fee); if you cannot meet standards, apply for a Special Exception before operating.