What are the permit fees in Portsmouth?

Operators must pay a flat fee of $3.00 per room per night in addition to the 9% percentage-based tax.

What should Portsmouth hosts know about a major regulatory update is?

A major regulatory update is in progress as of early 2026, which may introduce mandatory safety inspections.

What should Portsmouth hosts know about the 9% total tax includes?

The 9% total tax includes a 1% state-mandated regional transient occupancy tax specifically for Hampton Roads.

Portsmouth

Permissive

STRs Allowed

VirginiaLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

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Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Portsmouth requires short-term rental operators to obtain a zoning clearance and a business license while collecting a 9% lodging tax and a $3.00 per-room nightly fee.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host in Portsmouth, you must secure a zoning clearance from the Planning Department and a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue. You are required to collect a 9% lodging tax and an additional $3.00 flat fee per room for every night booked. The city is currently in the process of implementing more comprehensive regulations expected to be fully active by mid-2026.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$130

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Portsmouth allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, Apartment.
•Portsmouth: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Portsmouth: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Portsmouth does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(7)

•Portsmouth STR warning: The 9% total tax includes a 1% state-mandated regional transient occupancy tax specifically for Hampton Roads.
•Portsmouth does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.
•Portsmouth STR warning: Operators must pay a flat fee of $3.00 per room per night in addition to the 9% percentage-based tax.

Application Process(6)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Portsmouth: Step 1: Obtain Zoning Clearance - Contact the Planning Department to apply for a zoning clearance certificate for the property's use as a short-term rental. Documents needed: Proof of property ownership. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 130. More info: https://www.portsmouthva.gov Step 2: Apply for City Business License - Register for a business license with the Commissioner of the Revenue. All STR operators are considered businesses under city code. Documents needed: Zoning clearance, Business license application. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.portsmouthva.gov/302/Business-License-Tax Step 3: Register for Transient Occupancy Tax - Register with the Fiduciary Tax department to ensure the appropriate 9% tax and nightly fees are reported correctly. Documents needed: Business license number. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.portsmouthva.gov/303/Fiduciary-Taxes

Fees & Costs(1)

•Portsmouth charges a registration fee of $130 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Portsmouth: The 9% total tax includes a 1% state-mandated regional transient occupancy tax specifically for Hampton Roads.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Portsmouth enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Portsmouth: Operators must pay a flat fee of $3.00 per room per night in addition to the 9% percentage-based tax.
•Portsmouth limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Portsmouth occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Portsmouth requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.
•Portsmouth: A major regulatory update is in progress as of early 2026, which may introduce mandatory safety inspections.

Penalties(2)

•Portsmouth enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Summons and fine. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Portsmouth: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Portsmouth: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Portsmouth 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.

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Virginia

Strict

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

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

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

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

Portsmouth

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(7)

Application Process(6)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

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Portsmouth

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 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 Portsmouth?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Portsmouth?

3Are there rental night limits in Portsmouth?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Portsmouth?

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Arlington

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Richmond