What should Leesburg hosts know about maximum of 6 guests allowed?

Maximum of 6 guests allowed regardless of house size.

What should Leesburg hosts know about no more than one short-term?

No more than one short-term rental unit permitted per lot/parcel.

What are the key requirements for Leesburg hosts?

On-street parking cannot be used to meet the minimum one-space off-street parking requirement.

What are the key requirements for Leesburg hosts?

Significant ordinance changes (including potential residency requirements and night caps) are pending for 2026.

Leesburg, VA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Requirements

Summary

Leesburg requires a Homestay Home Occupation Permit and a Town Business License for all short-term rentals, with a maximum occupancy of six guests.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Leesburg, you must obtain a Homestay Home Occupation Permit ($50) and a Town Business License. Properties are limited to one rental unit per parcel and a maximum of six guests at any time. While there is currently no residency requirement, a major ordinance update is in progress for 2026 that may introduce annual night caps and residency rules.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Leesburg does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Leesburg: On-street parking cannot be used to meet the minimum one-space off-street parking requirement.
•Leesburg allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Townhouse, Condo, Accessory Structure, Basement Apartment.

Requirements(12)

•Leesburg STR warning: Significant ordinance changes (including potential residency requirements and night caps) are pending for 2026.
•Leesburg: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Leesburg: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Leesburg: Step 1: Apply for Homestay Home Occupation Permit - Submit an application via the Town's eTRAKiT portal including a sketch plan and property owner consent. Documents needed: Property Owner Consent Form, Sketch Plan, Floor Plan. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/community-development/zoning/homestay-rentals Step 2: Schedule and Pass Pre-Inspection - The Zoning Division will contact the applicant to schedule a safety inspection of the dwelling. Estimated time: 1 week. Step 3: Obtain Town Business License - Register with the Finance Department to obtain a Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL). Documents needed: Approved Homestay Permit. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/finance-administrative-services/business-taxes/business-licenses-bpol Step 4: Register for Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) - Set up a TOT account for monthly filing and remittance of the 9% lodging tax. Estimated time: Immediate. More info: https://www.leesburgva.gov/departments/finance-administrative-services/business-taxes/consumer-taxes

Fees & Costs(1)

•Leesburg charges a registration fee of $50 (one_time).

Taxes(2)

•Virginia has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Leesburg charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.09%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms collect and remit, but hosts must still file monthly zero-tax reports if platforms cover 100%.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Leesburg: Maximum of 6 guests allowed regardless of house size.
•Leesburg enforces quiet hours: 11pm-7am (General Noise Ordinance).
•Leesburg: Significant ordinance changes (including potential residency requirements and night caps) are pending for 2026.
•Leesburg occupancy calculation: Maximum of 6 lodgers per night total per dwelling unit.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Leesburg requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress plan required on floor plan, Pre-inspection by Zoning Division required.

Penalties(2)

•Leesburg enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil penalty per Section 17.2.2.b. Second offense: Immediate termination of use. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Leesburg: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Leesburg exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts.
•Leesburg: 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.

Leesburg

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

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

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Leesburg

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 Leesburg?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Leesburg?

3Are there rental night limits in Leesburg?

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

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Arlington

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Richmond