Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Merrifield, VA

Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Merrifield, VA, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Operators must be permanent residents (living on-site at least 185 days/year). Rentals are capped at 60 nights per calendar year with a maximum of six adult guests and one rental contract per night. Events/parties are prohibited, and one off-street parking space must be provided for lodgers. "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.

Operators must be permanent residents (living on-site at least 185 days/year). Rentals are capped at 60 nights per calendar year with a maximum of six adult guests and one rental contract per night. Events/parties are prohibited, and one off-street parking space must be provided for lodgers.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Merrifield. 1. Submit an electronic application via the Fairfax County PLUS portal. 2. Upload proof of residency (e.g., ID and utility bill) and property owner consent if a tenant. 3. Pay the $270 application fee; the permit is valid for two years and requires compliance with safety standards (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and posted exit plans).

1. Submit an electronic application via the Fairfax County PLUS portal. 2. Upload proof of residency (e.g., ID and utility bill) and property owner consent if a tenant. 3. Pay the $270 application fee; the permit is valid for two years and requires compliance with safety standards (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and posted exit plans).

Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Merrifield, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Merrifield 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 Merrifield. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.