Comparent
AllowedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Bridgewater, VA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as occupancy for less than 30 consecutive days. Operators must register annually by February 28 and pay a 4.5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on gross receipts, with quarterly reporting required even if no revenue is generated.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register the short-term rental with the Town by February 28 each year and pay the $25 registration fee. 2. Obtain a Town business license (renewed annually by March 1). 3. File quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax reports and remit the 4.5% tax.

Official Resources

Official Bridgewater STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Bridgewater, VA?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Bridgewater, VA, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals are defined as occupancy for less than 30 consecutive days. Operators must register annually by February 28 and pay a 4.5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on gross receipts, with quarterly reporting required even if no revenue is generated. "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 Bridgewater, VA?
Short-term rentals are defined as occupancy for less than 30 consecutive days. Operators must register annually by February 28 and pay a 4.5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on gross receipts, with quarterly reporting required even if no revenue is generated.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Bridgewater?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Bridgewater. 1. Register the short-term rental with the Town by February 28 each year and pay the $25 registration fee. 2. Obtain a Town business license (renewed annually by March 1). 3. File quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax reports and remit the 4.5% tax.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Bridgewater?
1. Register the short-term rental with the Town by February 28 each year and pay the $25 registration fee. 2. Obtain a Town business license (renewed annually by March 1). 3. File quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax reports and remit the 4.5% tax.
Is Vrbo legal in Bridgewater, VA?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Bridgewater, VA, 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 Bridgewater?
Short-term rental hosts in Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Bridgewater. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Bridgewater, VA?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

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