Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Montgomery County, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Montgomery County, VA, but with restrictions. Short-Term Tourist Rentals (operator does not live on-site) are allowed by-right in A-1 zoning and by Special Use Permit in RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, and RM-1. Requirements include VDH septic approval for occupancy, designated off-street parking, no exterior signage, fire-safety compliance, a property management plan with local contacts, and proof of local phone service. 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 Tourist Rentals (operator does not live on-site) are allowed by-right in A-1 zoning and by Special Use Permit in RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, and RM-1. Requirements include VDH septic approval for occupancy, designated off-street parking, no exterior signage, fire-safety compliance, a property management plan with local contacts, and proof of local phone service.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Montgomery County. 1) Complete the Short-Term Tourist Rental application and attach required documents (VDH septic evidence, property management plan, floor plan, and phone service proof). 2) Submit the application and $30 fee to Montgomery County Planning & GIS Services (mcplan@montgomerycountyva.gov). 3) Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue for lodging taxes and consult the Building Department for code compliance.

1) Complete the Short-Term Tourist Rental application and attach required documents (VDH septic evidence, property management plan, floor plan, and phone service proof). 2) Submit the application and $30 fee to Montgomery County Planning & GIS Services (mcplan@montgomerycountyva.gov). 3) Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue for lodging taxes and consult the Building Department for code compliance.

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