Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Waterford, VA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Waterford, VA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The county regulates two categories: Short-Term Rental—Residential Accessory (STR-RA) and Short-Term Rental—Commercial Whole House (STR-CWH), each with specific zoning and use requirements. Operators must also collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) as of July 1, 2023. 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 rentals are defined as rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The county regulates two categories: Short-Term Rental—Residential Accessory (STR-RA) and Short-Term Rental—Commercial Whole House (STR-CWH), each with specific zoning and use requirements. Operators must also collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) as of July 1, 2023.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Waterford. 1. Complete and submit the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application to the Department of Building and Development. 2. Ensure the property address is clearly visible from the road or posted at the driveway entrance. 3. Comply with the Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance and register the business for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection.

1. Complete and submit the Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit application to the Department of Building and Development. 2. Ensure the property address is clearly visible from the road or posted at the driveway entrance. 3. Comply with the Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance and register the business for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collection.

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