Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Arlington, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Arlington, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (accessory homestays) are allowed only in the owner's primary residence. Hosts must provide a 24/7 local contact within 30 miles, maintain safety equipment (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers), and are prohibited from hosting commercial events like weddings or parties. 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 (accessory homestays) are allowed only in the owner's primary residence. Hosts must provide a 24/7 local contact within 30 miles, maintain safety equipment (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers), and are prohibited from hosting commercial events like weddings or parties.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Arlington. 1. Submit an Accessory Homestay Permit application with proof of primary residence and a $63 fee. 2. Notify adjacent neighbors via letter and provide proof of notification to the County. 3. Obtain an Arlington business license and register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection.

1. Submit an Accessory Homestay Permit application with proof of primary residence and a $63 fee. 2. Notify adjacent neighbors via letter and provide proof of notification to the County. 3. Obtain an Arlington business license and register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection.

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