Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Richmond, VA?

**Yes**, Richmond requires a Short-Term Rental Permit to operate legally. You need to obtain a biennial permit, which means it's valid for two years. The cost for this permit is $300. Ensure you meet all zoning and safety requirements before applying through the city.

What is the TOT tax rate in Richmond, VA?

**8% is** the Transient Lodging Tax (TOT) rate for short-term rentals in Richmond. You are responsible for collecting this tax from your guests. Even if platforms like Airbnb collect this tax for you, Richmond requires you to file tax forms quarterly to remain compliant.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Richmond?

**Yes**, Richmond requires that short-term rental operators reside in the property. You need to live in the property for at least 185 days per year to be eligible to rent it out on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or similar services according to local regulations.

How much does an STR permit cost in Richmond, VA?

**$300 is** the cost of a Short-Term Rental Permit in Richmond, Virginia. This fee covers a two-year period, meaning the permit is biennial. You need to renew the permit every two years and pay the $300 fee again to continue operating legally.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Richmond?

**Yes**, tenants can host on Airbnb in Richmond, provided they meet all requirements. You need to obtain the necessary permit, reside in the property for the required minimum days, and comply with all other short-term rental regulations set forth by the city of Richmond.

Richmond, VA Short-Term Rental Laws...

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 86 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Moderate permit fee: $300
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Richmond, you must live in the home you are renting for more than half of the year. You need to apply for a special zoning permit which costs $300 and lasts for two years. While platforms like Airbnb may collect the 8% local tax for you, the city still requires you to file tax forms every quarter. You are limited to renting to a maximum of 10 guests at a time.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$300

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Primary residency is strictly enforced; you must reside in the unit 185+ days per year.
2.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built after 2019 are generally ineligible for STR use.
3.Quarterly tax returns must be filed even if platforms like Airbnb collect the tax on your behalf.
4.Renters can host but MUST have written permission from the property owner.
5.The biennial $300 fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the permit is approved.
6.Only one short-term rental permit is allowed per operator in the city.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Richmond does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Richmond prohibits STRs in the following property types: Commercial entities as operators in residential zones.
•Richmond allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Two-family dwelling, Multifamily dwelling (limited units), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Requirements(17)

•Richmond STR warning: ADUs are allowed: You may host in a basement or carriage house (ADU) if the main house is your primary residence.
•Richmond: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
•Richmond STR warning: Permit Fee Increase: The permit cost doubled to $600 in September 2023.

Application Process(8)

•Richmond extended permit requirement: Fee increased from $300 to $600 in 2023 update
•Richmond STR permit - Step 3: Submit Application via RVA311. Log into the Citizen Portal, select 'Short Term Rental' permit, and upload all required documents. Required documents: STR Affidavit, Proof of Residency, Floor Plan. Time: 30-60 days. Cost: 600.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Richmond: Permit Fee Increase: The permit cost doubled to $600 in September 2023.
•Richmond charges a registration fee of $600 (biennial).

Taxes(2)

•Virginia has a state sales tax of 5.3% that applies to STR rentals.
•Richmond charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 8%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Marketplace intermediaries like Airbnb/Vrbo collect and remit, but hosts must still register and report monthly/quarterly if any direct bookings occur.

Limits & Restrictions(8)

•Richmond: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Richmond limits STRs to a maximum of 8 guests. Formula: 2 adults per sleeping room, maximum 5 rooms/8 adults total
•Richmond enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city noise ordinance.
•Richmond limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Richmond requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan posted inside the unit labeling exits and safety equipment.

Penalties(3)

•Richmond: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Richmond: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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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

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

Richmond

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(17)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

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

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Herndon

Arlington

Richmond

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 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 Richmond, VA?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Richmond, VA?

3Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Richmond?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Richmond, VA?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Richmond?

Related Content

Other Virginia Markets

Harrisonburg

Cape Charles

Herndon

Arlington