Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Charlottesville, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Charlottesville, VA, but with restrictions. Property owners must occupy the property as their permanent residence for at least 185 days per calendar year. Rentals are restricted to specific residential zoning districts (R-A, RN-A, R-B, R-C, RX-3, RX-5) with a maximum occupancy of six adult overnight guests per lot and a prohibition on exterior advertising signs or food service. 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.

Property owners must occupy the property as their permanent residence for at least 185 days per calendar year. Rentals are restricted to specific residential zoning districts (R-A, RN-A, R-B, R-C, RX-3, RX-5) with a maximum occupancy of six adult overnight guests per lot and a prohibition on exterior advertising signs or food service.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Charlottesville. 1. Apply for an Accessory Use Permit (Homestay Permit) via the City's online permit portal. 2. Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue by submitting a Request for Business Information, Accommodations Provider Attestation, and Fixed Asset schedule. 3. Pay the 9% Transient Occupancy Tax monthly and renew the business license and permit annually by March 1st.

1. Apply for an Accessory Use Permit (Homestay Permit) via the City's online permit portal. 2. Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue by submitting a Request for Business Information, Accommodations Provider Attestation, and Fixed Asset schedule. 3. Pay the 9% Transient Occupancy Tax monthly and renew the business license and permit annually by March 1st.

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