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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Chester, VA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are defined as dwelling units intended for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Operators must meet an 80% gross rental receipts threshold from short-term transactions (92 days or less) to be certified as a short-term rental business and must collect an 8% transient occupancy tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an 'Application for Certificate of Registration' to the Commissioner of the Revenue within 30 days of starting the business. 2. Display the issued certificate at the rental location. 3. Submit a return for re-certification annually by January 31.

Official Resources

Official Chester STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Chester, VA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Chester, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as dwelling units intended for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Operators must meet an 80% gross rental receipts threshold from short-term transactions (92 days or less) to be certified as a short-term rental business and must collect an 8% transient occupancy tax. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Chester, VA?
Short-term rentals are defined as dwelling units intended for occupancy for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Operators must meet an 80% gross rental receipts threshold from short-term transactions (92 days or less) to be certified as a short-term rental business and must collect an 8% transient occupancy tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Chester?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Chester. 1. Submit an 'Application for Certificate of Registration' to the Commissioner of the Revenue within 30 days of starting the business. 2. Display the issued certificate at the rental location. 3. Submit a return for re-certification annually by January 31.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Chester?
1. Submit an 'Application for Certificate of Registration' to the Commissioner of the Revenue within 30 days of starting the business. 2. Display the issued certificate at the rental location. 3. Submit a return for re-certification annually by January 31.
Is Vrbo legal in Chester, VA?
Vrbo is permitted in Chester, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Chester?
Short-term rental hosts in Chester 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 Chester?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Chester. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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