What are the key requirements for Arlington hosts?

Primary residence requirement: You must live in the home for at least 185 days per year.

What should Arlington hosts know about certified mail neighbor notification is?

Certified mail neighbor notification is mandatory before permit approval.

What should Arlington hosts know about multifamily buildings (apartments/condos) have a?

Multifamily buildings (apartments/condos) have a 25% occupancy cap for homestays.

What should Arlington hosts know about detached guesthouses cannot be used?

Detached guesthouses cannot be used for short-term rentals unless they are legally approved ADUs.

What are the key requirements for Arlington hosts?

Business licenses must be renewed annually by March 1st.

Arlington, VA Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Complete Gui…

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Arlington, known as 'Accessory Homestays,' are permitted for primary residents who obtain an annual permit and business license.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 78 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental, you must live in the home for at least 185 days per year and obtain an annual Accessory Homestay Permit. You also need an Arlington business license and must notify your neighbors by certified mail before starting. Stays are limited to 30 days or less, and you can host up to 6 guests at a time (or more if your home has many bedrooms).

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$121

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Primary residence requirement: You must live in the home for at least 185 days per year.
2.Certified mail neighbor notification is mandatory before permit approval.
3.Multifamily buildings (apartments/condos) have a 25% occupancy cap for homestays.
4.Detached guesthouses cannot be used for short-term rentals unless they are legally approved ADUs.
5.Business licenses must be renewed annually by March 1st.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Arlington: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Arlington requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Must live in the unit as a primary residence for 185+ days per year.
•Arlington: Detached guesthouses cannot be used for short-term rentals unless they are legally approved ADUs.

Requirements(13)

•Arlington STR warning: Multifamily buildings (apartments/condos) have a 25% occupancy cap for homestays.
•Arlington STR warning: Primary residence requirement: You must live in the home for at least 185 days per year.
•Arlington: Primary residence requirement: You must live in the home for at least 185 days per year.

Application Process(9)

•Arlington: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Proof of Residency (Government ID, Lease, or Utility Bill), Neighbor Notification Certified Mail Receipts, Parking Diagram, Floor Plan, Evacuation Plan (for multifamily units).

Fees & Costs(1)

•Arlington charges a registration fee of $121 (annual).

Taxes(2)

•Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Arlington charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.0825%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Intermediaries like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit TOT directly to Arlington.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Arlington: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Arlington enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Arlington limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: 6 guests total or 2 per bedroom, whichever is greater.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Arlington requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Evacuation plan posted inside front door (multifamily), Annual county inspection access required, Responsible party within 30 miles available 24/7.

Penalties(2)

•Arlington: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Arlington enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 (operating without permit). Second offense: $1000. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Other Virginia Markets

Harrisonburg

Virginia

Moderate

Harrisonburg requires a business license, zoning approval (sometimes requiring a Special Use Permit), and registration for the 7% transient occupancy tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Cape Charles

Virginia

Moderate

Cape Charles requires all short-term rental operators to obtain both a town business license and a specific STR permit, subject to an annual $100 fee. The town enforces strict occupancy limits (2 per bedroom + 2) and requires a $1M liability insurance policy. Hosts must remit 4.7% in local Transient Occupancy Tax in addition to state sales taxes.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Herndon

Virginia

Prohibited

Herndon requires a biennial short-term rental permit ($200), mandates the property be the host's primary residence for at least seven months per year, and limits unhosted rentals to 90 nights annually.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Richmond

Virginia

Strict

The City of Richmond requires all short-term rental operators to reside in the property for at least 185 days a year and obtain a biennial permit. A 300 dollar fee is required every two years, and hosts must collect and remit an 8% Transient Lodging Tax.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Arlington

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Herndon

Richmond

Arlington

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 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 Arlington?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Arlington?

3Are there occupancy limits for Arlington short-term rentals?

4What are the residency requirements for hosting in Arlington?

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Herndon

Richmond