GoStudioM - Airbnb & VRBO Hosting Education Platform
CalendarAnalyzerAnalyticsLearnPricing
Guides
Videos
All VideosBest VideosTrending
NewsRulesTopics
GoStudioM - Airbnb & VRBO Hosting Education Platform

Built for hosts, by a host

Listing Analyzer

  • Get Listing Score
  • Title Generator
  • Review Responder
  • Guest Review Writer
  • All Listing Tools →

Cleaning Calendar

  • Try Calendar Free
  • Superhost Calculator
  • Maintenance Planner
  • All Operations Tools →

Financial Analytics

  • See Your Numbers
  • Fee Calculator
  • Special Offer Calculator
  • All Financial Tools →

Learn

  • Videos
  • News
  • Rules
  • Topics
  • Hosting Guides →

Compare

  • Best Cleaning Software
  • Turno Alternative
  • Properly Alternative
  • Hospitable Alternative
  • AirDNA Alternative

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • SMS Consent
  • Contact Us

© 2026 GoStudioM. All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. ·
  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. South Carolina
  6. ·
  7. Rock Hill

Rock Hill

Strict
South CarolinaUpdated Mar 21, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 12, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Short-term rentals in Rock Hill are restricted to specific commercial and mixed-use zones, with a five-year phase-out period for existing residential rentals ending in 2029.

Restriction level

Severity 73
Classification
Strict
73
Severity

Why this classification

  • Banned in all/most residential zones
  • Permit required
  • Reporting required
  • Safety standards required
  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement
  • No STR-specific fee
  • Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

You can only start a new short-term rental in Rock Hill if your property is in a commercial or mixed-use zone. Existing rentals in residential areas are allowed to stay open until April 30, 2029, but no new ones are being permitted in neighborhoods. All hosts must get a city permit, a business license, and designate a local contact person living within 15 miles of the city.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredYes
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Permit fee$0
Processing time2-4 weeks
Max fine$500

5 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1New short-term rentals are strictly prohibited in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3).
  2. 2Existing residential rentals must cease all STR operations by April 30, 2029.
  3. 3A designated responsible agent living within 15 miles of the city limits is mandatory.
  4. 4Permits are non-transferable; they do not run with the land and expire upon property sale.
  5. 5The STR permit number must be explicitly listed in all online advertisements and listings.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility7 rules
  • Rock Hill: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
  • Rock Hill allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Detached, Single Family Attached, Multi-family (in specific zones).
  • Rock Hill: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Requirements14 rules
  • Rock Hill: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
  • Rock Hill STR warning: Existing residential rentals must cease all STR operations by April 30, 2029.
  • Rock Hill STR warning: A designated responsible agent living within 15 miles of the city limits is mandatory.
Application process8 rules
  • How to set up an STR in Rock Hill: You can only start a new short-term rental in Rock Hill if your property is in a commercial or mixed-use zone. Existing rentals in residential areas are allowed to stay open until April 30, 2029, but no new ones are being permitted in neighborhoods. All hosts must get a city permit, a business license, and designate a local contact person living within 15 miles of the city.
Taxes2 rules
  • Rock Hill charges a Local Accommodations Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: While platforms remit state taxes, city accommodations taxes must often be remitted directly to the Rock Hill Finance Department by the 20th of each month.
  • South Carolina has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.
Limits & restrictions5 rules
  • Rock Hill occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
  • Rock Hill enforces quiet hours: 11pm-7am.
  • Rock Hill: A designated responsible agent living within 15 miles of the city limits is mandatory.
  • Rock Hill limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
  • Rock Hill limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Rock Hill requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Self-inspection using City checklist, Rental packet containing city rules must be provided to guests, Permit number must be listed in all advertisements.
Penalties2 rules
  • Rock Hill: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
  • Rock Hill enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Suspension or Revocation. Second offense: Fines up to $500. Third offense: Permit Revocation. Maximum fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Rock Hill: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
  • Rock Hill exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Rock Hill

0/4
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Zoning Eligibility

Ensure your property is located in an allowed zone (MX, NO, NC, LC, or GC) using the City's GIS maps. New rentals in residential zones are prohibited.

1 dayFree
Official resource
Step 2

Apply for STR Permit

Submit a short-term rental permit application through the city's online portal or by mail. Provide property and owner details, and name a local agent within 15 miles.

1-2 weeksFree
Documents needed
  • STR Permit Application
  • Property Owner Authorization Form
  • Proof of Liability Insurance
Official resource
Step 3

Obtain City Business License

Register for a business license as a 'hotel use.' New businesses with projected revenue under $1 million may have the fee waived for the first year.

1-2 weeksFree
Documents needed
  • Approved STR Permit
  • Business License Application
Official resource
Step 4

Register for Accommodations Tax

The city will create a local accommodations tax account for you upon permit approval. You must remit the 3% city tax monthly.

ImmediateFree
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Related Content

Other South Carolina markets
Pawleys IslandModerate

The Town of Pawleys Island requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual Town...

· Permit· 0.1% tax
Beaufort CountyModerate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Beaufort County are regulated by Ordinance 2021/48, requiring...

· Permit· 0.1% tax
Mount PleasantStrict

The Town of Mount Pleasant strictly regulates short-term rentals, capping the number of rental...

· Permit· Night cap· 0.1% tax
Kiawah IslandModerate

Kiawah Island strictly regulates short-term rentals through a mandatory licensing program and...

· Permit· 0.1% tax