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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Morgantown, WV

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

All rental properties, including transient (daily/weekly) rentals, must be registered with the City and obtain a Letter of Compliance. Units are subject to inspections every 3 years under the I.C.C. property maintenance code and must correct violations within 20 days. Operators must also comply with a 6% hotel occupancy tax.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Create an account and submit a rental property registration application via the Cityworks PLL portal. 2. Provide property details including Tax Map/Parcel Number and off-street parking count. 3. Pay the application fee ($25 per unit for most dwellings) and pass a safety inspection to receive a Letter of Compliance, which must be renewed every 5 years.

Official Resources

Official Morgantown STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Morgantown, WV?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Morgantown, WV, but with restrictions. All rental properties, including transient (daily/weekly) rentals, must be registered with the City and obtain a Letter of Compliance. Units are subject to inspections every 3 years under the I.C.C. property maintenance code and must correct violations within 20 days. Operators must also comply with a 6% hotel occupancy tax. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Morgantown, WV?
All rental properties, including transient (daily/weekly) rentals, must be registered with the City and obtain a Letter of Compliance. Units are subject to inspections every 3 years under the I.C.C. property maintenance code and must correct violations within 20 days. Operators must also comply with a 6% hotel occupancy tax.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Morgantown?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Morgantown. 1. Create an account and submit a rental property registration application via the Cityworks PLL portal. 2. Provide property details including Tax Map/Parcel Number and off-street parking count. 3. Pay the application fee ($25 per unit for most dwellings) and pass a safety inspection to receive a Letter of Compliance, which must be renewed every 5 years.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Morgantown?
1. Create an account and submit a rental property registration application via the Cityworks PLL portal. 2. Provide property details including Tax Map/Parcel Number and off-street parking count. 3. Pay the application fee ($25 per unit for most dwellings) and pass a safety inspection to receive a Letter of Compliance, which must be renewed every 5 years.
Is Vrbo legal in Morgantown, WV?
Vrbo is permitted in Morgantown, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Morgantown?
Short-term rental hosts in Morgantown 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Morgantown?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Morgantown. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction