Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Reston, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Reston, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term lodging (STL) is permitted as an accessory use in residential districts for primary residents (185+ days/year). Operations are capped at 60 nights per calendar year with a maximum of six adult guests and one rental contract per night. Requirements include one designated off-street parking space, working fire extinguishers/smoke detectors, and a guest log. 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 lodging (STL) is permitted as an accessory use in residential districts for primary residents (185+ days/year). Operations are capped at 60 nights per calendar year with a maximum of six adult guests and one rental contract per night. Requirements include one designated off-street parking space, working fire extinguishers/smoke detectors, and a guest log.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Reston. 1. Submit an electronic application through the Fairfax County PLUS portal. 2. Upload required documents including proof of primary residency (ID/utility bill), an authorized agent letter, and property owner permission if the applicant is a tenant. 3. Pay the $270 application fee; the permit is valid for two years.

1. Submit an electronic application through the Fairfax County PLUS portal. 2. Upload required documents including proof of primary residency (ID/utility bill), an authorized agent letter, and property owner permission if the applicant is a tenant. 3. Pay the $270 application fee; the permit is valid for two years.

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