What should Bennington hosts know about a 3% state str surcharge?

A 3% State STR Surcharge took effect on August 1, 2024, bringing the total state tax to 12%.

What are the key requirements for Bennington hosts?

You must display your Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax account number in all advertisements.

What should Bennington hosts know about properties in the historic design?

Properties in the Historic Design Review District need approval for any exterior modifications.

What should Bennington hosts know about rentals exceeding 8 guests are?

Rentals exceeding 8 guests are subject to stricter state fire safety codes (NFPA 101 Chapter 26).

Bennington

Permissive

STRs Allowed

VermontLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

Bennington currently operates under Vermont's state-level STR framework, requiring state tax registration and safety self-certification with no specific local permit required.

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
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host in Bennington, you must register for a Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax account and pay a total state tax rate of 12%. While the Town does not require a local STR-specific permit, you must comply with state safety codes and the town's general zoning and building regulations.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Bennington: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Bennington does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Bennington allows tenants to host STRs.
•Bennington: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(10)

•Bennington does not require STR registration.
•Bennington: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.
•Bennington: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
•Bennington does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.

Application Process(6)

•Bennington STR permit - Step 1: Register for a Vermont Business Tax Account. Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes for a Meals and Rooms Tax account. This is free and must be done if you rent for more than 14 days a year. Required documents: Social Security Number or FEIN, Business Name/Address. Time: 1 week.

Taxes(4)

•Vermont has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Bennington: You must display your Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax account number in all advertisements.
•Bennington: A 3% State STR Surcharge took effect on August 1, 2024, bringing the total state tax to 12%.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Bennington limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Bennington enforces quiet hours: 10pm - 7am.
•Bennington occupancy calculation: Occupancy over 8 guests triggers state 'Rooming and Lodging' safety codes. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Bennington limits STRs to a maximum of 8 guests. Formula: Occupancy over 8 guests triggers state 'Rooming and Lodging' safety codes

Safety Requirements(2)

•Bennington: Rentals exceeding 8 guests are subject to stricter state fire safety codes (NFPA 101 Chapter 26).
•Bennington requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Secondary means of escape in every sleeping room, GFI outlets in required locations, Inspected heating systems.

Penalties(1)

•Bennington enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of violation. Second offense: Fines per state tax code for non-compliance.

Exemptions(2)

•Bennington: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Bennington exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Rentals totaling 14 days or fewer per year are exempt from tax registration.

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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 Vermont Markets

Stowe

Vermont

Moderate

The Town of Stowe requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to register annually with the Town Clerk and pay a $50 fee. Hosts must also hold a Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax account and collect a total tax of 10% (9% State + 1% Town Local Option).

Permit required

0.1% total tax

St Johnsbury

Vermont

Moderate

Short-term rentals in St. Johnsbury are regulated primarily through local zoning bylaws as conditional uses and must comply with Vermont state-level tax, health, and fire safety registries.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Northfield

Vermont

Permissive

Northfield regulates short-term rentals through its general zoning bylaws and home occupation permits, while mandating compliance with Vermont state-level fire safety and tax obligations.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Montpelier

Vermont

Permissive

Short-term rentals in Montpelier must register annually with the city and collect a combined 13% tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Bennington

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(6)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Vermont Markets

Stowe

St Johnsbury

Northfield

Montpelier

Bennington

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 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 Bennington?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bennington?

3Are there rental night limits in Bennington?

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

Related Content

Other Vermont Markets

Stowe

St Johnsbury

Northfield

Montpelier