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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Damascus, VA

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

Zoning & Conditions

Operators must list all transient/short-term rental units on their Town business license and remit a 7% lodging tax monthly. Intermediaries like Airbnb or VRBO require a Lodging Intermediary Attestation form, and late filings incur a 10% penalty plus interest.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for a Town business license and list the addresses of all transient lodging units. 2) Submit the Lodging Intermediary Attestation form if using platforms like Airbnb. 3) File the Lodging Tax Monthly Report and remit the 7% tax to the Town by the end of each month.

Official Resources

Official Damascus STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Damascus, VA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Damascus, VA, but with restrictions. Operators must list all transient/short-term rental units on their Town business license and remit a 7% lodging tax monthly. Intermediaries like Airbnb or VRBO require a Lodging Intermediary Attestation form, and late filings incur a 10% penalty plus interest. 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 Damascus, VA?
Operators must list all transient/short-term rental units on their Town business license and remit a 7% lodging tax monthly. Intermediaries like Airbnb or VRBO require a Lodging Intermediary Attestation form, and late filings incur a 10% penalty plus interest.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Damascus?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Damascus. 1) Apply for a Town business license and list the addresses of all transient lodging units. 2) Submit the Lodging Intermediary Attestation form if using platforms like Airbnb. 3) File the Lodging Tax Monthly Report and remit the 7% tax to the Town by the end of each month.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Damascus?
1) Apply for a Town business license and list the addresses of all transient lodging units. 2) Submit the Lodging Intermediary Attestation form if using platforms like Airbnb. 3) File the Lodging Tax Monthly Report and remit the 7% tax to the Town by the end of each month.
Is Vrbo legal in Damascus, VA?
Vrbo is permitted in Damascus, 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 Damascus?
Short-term rental hosts in Damascus 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 Damascus?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Damascus. 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