Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Norfolk, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Norfolk, VA, but with restrictions. STRs are categorized as 'homestays' (owner-present) or 'vacation rentals' (owner-absent). Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom, max 10 guests total, and units cannot exceed 5 bedrooms. Operators must provide 24/7 local contact info on-site, maintain liability insurance, and vacation rentals must pass a fire inspection. 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.

STRs are categorized as 'homestays' (owner-present) or 'vacation rentals' (owner-absent). Occupancy is limited to 2 persons per bedroom, max 10 guests total, and units cannot exceed 5 bedrooms. Operators must provide 24/7 local contact info on-site, maintain liability insurance, and vacation rentals must pass a fire inspection.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Norfolk. 1. Apply for a Zoning Certificate via the City’s E-Permitting Portal, uploading parking photos, proof of liability insurance, and a completed STR Contact Form. 2. For vacation rentals, provide proof of a completed fire inspection. 3. Obtain a City Business License and register with the Commissioner of the Revenue to collect and pay transient occupancy taxes.

1. Apply for a Zoning Certificate via the City’s E-Permitting Portal, uploading parking photos, proof of liability insurance, and a completed STR Contact Form. 2. For vacation rentals, provide proof of a completed fire inspection. 3. Obtain a City Business License and register with the Commissioner of the Revenue to collect and pay transient occupancy taxes.

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