Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Montpelier, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Montpelier, VA, but with restrictions. Owner-occupied STRs are permitted as an accessory use if the owner resides there at least 185 days/year; non-owner-occupied STRs require a special exception. Requirements include off-street parking (2 spaces for the dwelling plus 1 per guestroom), a 60-minute response time for complaints, occupancy limits (2x bedrooms, max 10), and a prohibition on check-ins/outs between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. 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.

Owner-occupied STRs are permitted as an accessory use if the owner resides there at least 185 days/year; non-owner-occupied STRs require a special exception. Requirements include off-street parking (2 spaces for the dwelling plus 1 per guestroom), a 60-minute response time for complaints, occupancy limits (2x bedrooms, max 10), and a prohibition on check-ins/outs between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Montpelier. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application to the Planning Department with proof of principal residence (e.g., driver's license, voter card), a property sketch showing parking, and a septic permit if applicable. 2) Pay the required registration fee. 3) For non-owner-occupied units, apply for a Special Exception which involves a sketch plan and a public hearing process.

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental Permit application to the Planning Department with proof of principal residence (e.g., driver's license, voter card), a property sketch showing parking, and a septic permit if applicable. 2) Pay the required registration fee. 3) For non-owner-occupied units, apply for a Special Exception which involves a sketch plan and a public hearing process.

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