Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Elkins, WV

Airbnb listings are allowed in Elkins, WV, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are classified as businesses requiring a city business license and must comply with the 2022 Zoning Code (Chapter 152) regarding permitted zones. Properties must also adhere to the Rental Registration Program, which requires a Certificate of Occupancy and safety inspections every three years. 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 classified as businesses requiring a city business license and must comply with the 2022 Zoning Code (Chapter 152) regarding permitted zones. Properties must also adhere to the Rental Registration Program, which requires a Certificate of Occupancy and safety inspections every three years.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Elkins. 1. Apply for a City of Elkins business license. 2. Submit a Certificate of Occupancy Application to the Building, Code Enforcement & Zoning Department. 3. Pass a safety inspection to comply with the Rental Registration Program; compliance must be recertified every three years.

1. Apply for a City of Elkins business license. 2. Submit a Certificate of Occupancy Application to the Building, Code Enforcement & Zoning Department. 3. Pass a safety inspection to comply with the Rental Registration Program; compliance must be recertified every three years.

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