Are there rental limits in Blacksburg?

Strict 90-night annual limit for all STR activity.

Are there rental limits in Blacksburg?

Unhosted rentals (Type B) are capped at only 30 nights per year.

What should Blacksburg hosts know about non-resident investors are completely prohibited?

Non-resident investors are completely prohibited from operating STRs.

What should Blacksburg hosts know about strs are strictly forbidden in?

STRs are strictly forbidden in accessory structures like detached garages or sheds.

What are the key requirements for Blacksburg hosts?

Airbnb collects town tax, but hosts must still file quarterly zero-returns if all bookings were via Airbnb.

Blacksburg

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

VirginiaLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 7, 2026

Summary

Blacksburg permits 'Homestays' only in the host's owner-occupied primary residence, with a total limit of 90 rental nights per year.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Moderate night cap: 90 nights/year
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Blacksburg, you must own and live in the home for at least six months of the year. You are limited to 90 total rental nights annually, of which only 30 nights can be 'Type B' rentals (where the host is not present or more than two rooms are rented).

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

90/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Max Fine

$2,500

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Blacksburg: Non-resident investors are completely prohibited from operating STRs.
•Blacksburg limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Blacksburg: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Blacksburg: 1. Strict 90-night annual limit for all STR activity. 2. Unhosted rentals (Type B) are capped at only 30 nights per year. 3. Non-resident investors are completely prohibited from operating STRs. 4. STRs are strictly forbidden in accessory structures like detached garages or sheds. 5. Airbnb collects town tax, but hosts must still file quarterly zero-returns if all bookings were via Airbnb.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Blacksburg: Step 1: Verify Primary Residence - Confirm the property is your primary residence where you reside for at least 183 days (6 months) per year. Documents needed: Voter registration, Driver's license. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.blacksburg.gov/departments/departments-a-k/financial-services/homestay Step 2: Submit Neighborhood Notice - If you share a driveway or wall (townhouse/condo), you must notify neighbors via certified mail before applying. Documents needed: Certified mail receipts. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 15. Step 3: Register on OpenGov - Complete the Homestay License application through the Blacksburg OpenGov portal. Documents needed: Floor plan, Affidavit of compliance, Contact info for responsible party. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 50. More info: https://blacksburgva.opengov.com/portal Step 4: Register for Taxes - Register with the Finance Department to collect and remit the 7% Transient Occupancy Tax. Documents needed: Tax registration form. Estimated time: 2-3 days. More info: https://www.blacksburg.gov/departments/departments-a-k/financial-services/miscellaneous-local-taxes

Fees & Costs(1)

•Blacksburg charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Blacksburg: Airbnb collects town tax, but hosts must still file quarterly zero-returns if all bookings were via Airbnb.
•Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.053% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Blacksburg: Unhosted rentals (Type B) are capped at only 30 nights per year.
•Blacksburg: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Blacksburg limits STRs to 90 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
•Blacksburg limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Blacksburg requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Bedrooms must have a window for emergency exit, Visible house address, Functioning heat and electrical services.

Penalties(3)

•Blacksburg enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 civil penalty. Second offense: $350 civil penalty. Third offense: Potential permit revocation. Daily fine: $100-$350. Maximum fine: 2500. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Blacksburg: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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

Blacksburg

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(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(8)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Richmond

Blacksburg

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 Blacksburg?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Blacksburg?

3Are there rental night limits in Blacksburg?

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

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Richmond