Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Fredericksburg, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Fredericksburg, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (occupancy <30 days) are restricted to specific uses like homestays, where the operator must reside on-site in the principal dwelling. Homestays are limited to 90 days per year, a maximum of two guest bedrooms (four guests total), and no more than one kitchen. Operators must provide current contact info, maintain records, and pay a 1% short-term rental tax on gross proceeds. 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 (occupancy <30 days) are restricted to specific uses like homestays, where the operator must reside on-site in the principal dwelling. Homestays are limited to 90 days per year, a maximum of two guest bedrooms (four guests total), and no more than one kitchen. Operators must provide current contact info, maintain records, and pay a 1% short-term rental tax on gross proceeds.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Fredericksburg. 1) Apply for a Homestay/Zoning Permit via the City’s Citizen Access Portal (CAP), submitting a property owner affidavit, matching driver's license, and proof of mailed public notice to neighbors. 2) Register for the Short-Term Rental Tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue and obtain a certificate of registration. 3) File quarterly tax remittance returns and conspicuously display the registration certificate at the rental location.

1) Apply for a Homestay/Zoning Permit via the City’s Citizen Access Portal (CAP), submitting a property owner affidavit, matching driver's license, and proof of mailed public notice to neighbors. 2) Register for the Short-Term Rental Tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue and obtain a certificate of registration. 3) File quarterly tax remittance returns and conspicuously display the registration certificate at the rental location.

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