Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Charlotte, NC?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Charlotte. North Carolina state law preempts cities from requiring STR licenses or registration. However, you must still comply with zoning land-use standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Always check local regulations before operating.

What is the TOT tax rate in Charlotte, NC?

**8%** is the Mecklenburg County Room Occupancy Tax rate that applies to short-term rentals in Charlotte. You are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the county. Note that Airbnb and VRBO may automatically collect a portion of this tax in certain jurisdictions.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Charlotte, NC?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Charlotte, NC, subject to compliance with zoning land-use standards outlined in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). While the city cannot require a permit, you must adhere to all applicable zoning regulations. Always confirm specific zoning rules with the local planning department.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Charlotte, NC?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Charlotte, NC, can include fines and legal action for violating zoning regulations. While there is no STR-specific permit requirement, you must adhere to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Ensure compliance with all applicable zoning and land-use standards to avoid penalties.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Charlotte, NC?

**Potentially**, renters may be able to host on Airbnb in Charlotte, NC, but this is contingent on their lease agreement and zoning regulations. Renters should review their lease to ensure that short-term rentals are not prohibited. Compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is required for all STRs.

Charlotte

Permissive

STRs Allowed

North CarolinaLast updated: February 13, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals are currently unregulated via permits in Charlotte because North Carolina state law preempts cities from requiring STR licenses or registration. However, hosts must still comply with zoning land-use standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and pay the 8% Mecklenburg County Room Occupancy Tax.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Charlotte, you don't need a specific city permit because North Carolina state law currently prevents the city from requiring one. You are allowed to rent out your property in most residential areas, provided you follow standard noise and trash rules. However, you must register with the Mecklenburg County Tax Collector to pay the required 8% occupancy tax on all bookings under 90 days. Always check your local HOA rules, as they are still allowed to ban STRs even if the city does not.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.North Carolina state law (Schroeder v. Wilmington) currently prevents Charlotte from enforcing an STR registration or permit system.
2.While no permit is needed, the property must still function as a 'Short-Term Rental' as defined by the UDO (stays under 30 days).
3.Occupancy taxes apply to stays under 90 days, which is longer than the typical 30-day threshold.
4.HOA prohibitions are the most common reason Charlotte hosts are shut down; the city does not override private contracts.
5.You must register for and file Mecklenburg County Room Occupancy Tax returns monthly, even if platforms collect some tax for you.
6.The 8% tax consists of a 6% base occupancy tax and a 2% convention center tax.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Charlotte allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Townhouse, Multi-family, Duplex.
•Charlotte, NC: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Charlotte does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Charlotte: 1. North Carolina state law (Schroeder v. Wilmington) currently prevents Charlotte from enforcing an STR registration or permit system. 2. While no permit is needed, the property must still function as a 'Short-Term Rental' as defined by the UDO (stays under 30 days). 3. Occupancy taxes apply to stays under 90 days, which is longer than the typical 30-day threshold. 4. HOA prohibitions are the most common reason Charlotte hosts are shut down; the city does not override private contracts. 5. You must register for and file Mecklenburg County Room Occupancy Tax returns monthly, even if platforms collect some tax for you. 6. The 8% tax consists of a 6% base occupancy tax and a 2% convention center tax.

Application Process(6)

•Charlotte STR permit - Step 1: Verify Zoning. Check the Charlotte UDO to ensure your property is in a zone that allows 'Short-Term Rentals'. Most residential zones allow this as a permitted use. Time: 1 day.

Taxes(5)

•North Carolina has a state sales tax of 4.75% that applies to STR rentals.
•Charlotte charges a Mecklenburg County Room Occupancy Tax of 8%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit the 6% state/county portion; however, hosts should verify the additional 2% convention center tax.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Charlotte limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Charlotte enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (General Noise Ordinance).
•Charlotte, NC occupancy calculation: Charlotte UDO limits occupancy to standard residential definitions. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Charlotte requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, Must comply with standard NC Residential Building Code.

Penalties(2)

•Charlotte: While no permit is needed, the property must still function as a 'Short-Term Rental' as defined by the UDO (stays under 30 days).
•Charlotte enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning / Notice of Violation. Second offense: $100 fine. Third offense: Increasing daily fines. Daily fine: $100.

Exemptions(3)

•Charlotte: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Charlotte exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

North Carolina

Permissive

Cary does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance and does not require a specific STR permit or city-level registration. Hosts must comply with general town ordinances regarding noise, parking, and minimum housing standards. A 6% Room Occupancy Tax is collected by Wake County, which is typically handled automatically by major platforms like Airbnb.

0.1% total tax

Hyde County

North Carolina

Permissive

Hyde County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement for unincorporated areas, including Ocracoke Island. However, all hosts are required to remit a 5% Occupancy Tax to the county finance department on a monthly basis.

0.1% total tax

Wilmington

North Carolina

Permissive

Following a 2022 North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling, Wilmington no longer requires short-term rental registration or limits the number/density of rentals. Hosts must still comply with zoning standards, parking requirements, and collect a total of 13% in taxes (6% Room Occupancy Tax + 7% State Sales Tax).

0.1% total tax

Cullowhee

North Carolina

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Cullowhee are permitted and regulated by Jackson County, primarily requiring registration for occupancy tax collection.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Charlotte

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(6)

Taxes(5)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee

Charlotte

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Charlotte, NC?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Charlotte, NC?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Charlotte, NC?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Charlotte, NC?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Charlotte, NC?

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee