Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Middlesex County, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Middlesex County, VA, but with restrictions. All short-term rentals require a zoning permit and registration. Requirements include VDH documentation for occupancy limits, septic pump-out every five years, one off-street parking space per sleeping room, a posted evacuation plan, and a 2A-10BC fire extinguisher in the kitchen; rentals are prohibited in Workforce Housing. 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.

All short-term rentals require a zoning permit and registration. Requirements include VDH documentation for occupancy limits, septic pump-out every five years, one off-street parking space per sleeping room, a posted evacuation plan, and a 2A-10BC fire extinguisher in the kitchen; rentals are prohibited in Workforce Housing.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Middlesex County. 1) Submit a completed Short-Term Rental Application to the Department of Planning and Community Development with the $75 fee, VDH documentation, and a site/evacuation plan. 2) Upon approval, obtain a business license from the Commissioner of Revenue and display the approved evacuation plan in the unit.

1) Submit a completed Short-Term Rental Application to the Department of Planning and Community Development with the $75 fee, VDH documentation, and a site/evacuation plan. 2) Upon approval, obtain a business license from the Commissioner of Revenue and display the approved evacuation plan in the unit.

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