Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Richmond, VA

Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Richmond, VA, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. The ordinance permits STRs as a principal or accessory use; the operator must be the property owner. In residential zoning, the STR must be on the operator’s primary residence; only one STR is permitted per lot in residential zones. In non-residential/multifamily contexts, a maximum of 10 units or one-third of units per lot (whichever is lesser) is allowed. Occupancy is limited to eight adults, and the permit number must be posted on all advertisements. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

The ordinance permits STRs as a principal or accessory use; the operator must be the property owner. In residential zoning, the STR must be on the operator’s primary residence; only one STR is permitted per lot in residential zones. In non-residential/multifamily contexts, a maximum of 10 units or one-third of units per lot (whichever is lesser) is allowed. Occupancy is limited to eight adults, and the permit number must be posted on all advertisements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Richmond. 1) Apply through the City’s Online Permit Portal (EnerGov) by selecting Short-Term Rental; 2) Upload required documents including the Owner Affidavit, proof of primary residency, and a dimensioned floor plan showing safety features; 3) Pay the $600 biennial fee and undergo a required inspection prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Zoning Compliance.

1) Apply through the City’s Online Permit Portal (EnerGov) by selecting Short-Term Rental; 2) Upload required documents including the Owner Affidavit, proof of primary residency, and a dimensioned floor plan showing safety features; 3) Pay the $600 biennial fee and undergo a required inspection prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Zoning Compliance.

Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Richmond, VA, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Richmond 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 Richmond. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.