Virginia Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2026 Guide)

Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia Beach, Shenandoah Valley, and historic Williamsburg and Charlottesville corridor create a diverse STR market serving beach, mountain, and history travelers. Whether you already own a vacation rental in Virginia or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in Virginia vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers Virginia's approach to short-term rental regulation at the state level, then breaks down the rules in key markets investors and hosts need to know. Regulations as of 2026 — always verify current rules directly with your local municipality before listing.

If you'd like help navigating STR compliance in Virginia, Awning's property management team operates in Virginia Beach, the Shenandoah Valley, and Charlottesville and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How Virginia Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in Virginia is generally defined as a residential property rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer. Any rental longer than this threshold is typically treated as a long-term rental and subject to different rules.

Does Virginia Require a Statewide STR License?

Virginia does not have a statewide STR licensing requirement. Local jurisdictions regulate STRs, with significant variation across the state.

Virginia Short-Term Rental Taxes

Virginia imposes a 5.3% state sales tax on STR income, plus local transient occupancy taxes typically ranging from 2–9%. Virginia Beach adds a 10% hotel tax. Airbnb collects and remits state sales tax automatically; local lodging taxes vary by jurisdiction.

Regardless of which booking platform you use, it is your responsibility as a host to ensure all applicable taxes are collected and remitted correctly. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back taxes, and potential loss of your ability to operate.

STR Regulations by City in Virginia

Below are the key STR markets in Virginia and their current regulatory requirements. City regulations change frequently — check with your local planning or licensing department for the most current rules before investing.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach requires STR operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental Certificate of Occupancy. The city enforces occupancy limits and noise standards in residential neighborhoods near the oceanfront. Non-owner-occupied STRs require a Conditional Use Permit in many zones.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville requires STR registration and compliance with local zoning. The city has implemented an owner-occupancy requirement for STRs in most residential zones, limiting non-owner-occupied investment properties.

Shenandoah Valley area

Rural Shenandoah Valley counties (Augusta, Rockingham, Page) have lighter STR regulation, making them highly accessible for investors. Basic county registration and state tax compliance are the primary requirements.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in Virginia

• Does your city or county require an STR permit or license?
• Are there caps on the number of STR permits in your neighborhood or zone?
• Is your property owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied — and does that distinction affect your eligibility?
• What occupancy, noise, and parking rules apply to your specific property?
• Which taxes are you responsible for collecting and remitting vs. what the platform handles?
• Does your HOA or condo association allow short-term rentals?

The Bottom Line

Virginia's STR regulatory environment ranges from investor-friendly rural counties to tightly regulated resort towns and urban cores. Understanding the specific rules in your target market — not just at the state level — is what determines whether your rental operates smoothly or faces costly disruptions.

Staying on top of changing regulations is one of the most valuable things a professional property manager brings to your operation. Awning manages short-term rentals in Virginia Beach, the Shenandoah Valley, and Charlottesville and monitors local regulatory changes so you don't have to. Reach out to learn how we can help you operate compliantly and profitably in Virginia.