Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Durham?

**Yes**, Durham requires a Short-Term Rental Zoning Compliance Permit to operate legally. You need to obtain this permit from the city planning department before listing your property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. While the application is currently free, ensure you meet all zoning requirements for accessory use. *(55 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Durham, NC?

**6% TOT** is the current tax rate for short-term rentals in Durham. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. If you're using platforms like Airbnb, they might handle the tax collection and remittance on your behalf. Always confirm the process. *(53 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Durham?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally permitted in Durham as an accessory use. However, you need to obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit. Be aware that you are restricted to renting to a maximum of four adults at any given time. ADUs built after 2019 may not be eligible. *(51 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in Durham?

**Yes**, tenants in Durham can host on Airbnb, provided they obtain the required Zoning Compliance Permit. Renters must also ensure that their lease agreement allows for short-term rentals and that they comply with all city regulations, including the limit of four adults. Always confirm with your landlord. *(54 words)*

How many adults can stay at my Durham STR?

**Four adults** is the maximum occupancy allowed for short-term rentals in Durham. This restriction is enforced to maintain neighborhood quality and prevent overcrowding. Make sure to clearly communicate this limit to your guests to avoid potential violations and maintain compliance with city regulations. *(50 words)*

Durham, NC Short-Term Rental Laws &...

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Summary

Short-term rentals are permitted in Durham as an accessory use in most residential and commercial zones, provided hosts obtain a one-time Zoning Compliance Permit. While there is no current application fee, hosts are limited to renting to a maximum of four adults at any given time.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Durham, you must first get a free 'Zoning Compliance Permit' from the city planning department. You are allowed to rent out your entire home or just a room, but you can't host more than 4 adults at once. If you use a platform like Airbnb, they handle the taxes for you, but you still need to follow city rules about parking and quiet hours. Be careful if you have a guest house (ADU) built after 2019—the city generally doesn't allow those to be used as short-term rentals.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

Processing Time

10-14 business days

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.ADU Restriction: Accessory Dwelling Units built after 2019 cannot be used for short-term rentals.
2.Guest Limit: You are strictly limited to 4 adult guests regardless of the size of the house.
3.Parking: You must provide the required number of off-street parking spaces according to your specific zoning district.
4.Zoning Permit: Even though the permit is free, operating without the Zoning Compliance Permit can result in daily $500 fines.
5.No Events: STRs in residential zones cannot be used for commercial events, parties, or large gatherings.
6.County vs City: Ensure your property is within the incorporated city limits; unincorporated Durham County has fewer zoning restrictions but different tax compliance.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(3)

•Durham: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Durham allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Multi-family dwelling, Townhouse.
•Durham: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(13)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Durham: 1. No specific STR permit is required in Durham as of 2025. 2. The Room Occupancy Tax (6%) applies to all stays under 90 days. 3. Occupancy is generally limited to no more than 3 unrelated persons per unit in certain zones. 4. Airbnb and VRBO collect most taxes, but you are still responsible for ensuring they are remitted. 5. Properties are subject to the Proactive Rental Inspection Program (PRIP) if they have recurring code violations. 6. Noise ordinances are strictly enforced, especially after 10 PM. 7. Short-term rentals in ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are permitted but must follow general ADU housing standards.

Application Process(5)

•Durham STR permit - Step 2: Register with Durham County Tax Administration. Establish a Room Occupancy Tax account with the County. Required documents: Gross Receipts Tax Application. Time: 1 week.
•Durham STR permit - Step 3: Compliance with Minimum Housing Code. Ensure property meets all safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, egress). Time: Ongoing.

Taxes(4)

•Durham: Airbnb and VRBO collect most taxes, but you are still responsible for ensuring they are remitted.
•Durham: The Room Occupancy Tax (6%) applies to all stays under 90 days.
•North Carolina has a state sales tax of 7.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Durham occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Durham limits stays to a maximum of 89 nights.
•Durham enforces quiet hours: 10 PM - 7 AM.
•Durham: Occupancy is generally limited to no more than 3 unrelated persons per unit in certain zones.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Durham requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, Proactive Rental Inspection Program (PRIP) may apply to rental units with history of violations.

Penalties(1)

•Durham enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Violation of Housing Code or Noise Ordinance fines.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Durham

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(3)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Durham

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Durham?

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

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Durham?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in Durham?

5How many adults can stay at my Durham STR?

Related Content

Other North Carolina Markets

Cary

Hyde County

Wilmington

Cullowhee