Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Virginia Beach?

**Yes**, Virginia Beach requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) Registration. You need to obtain this permit annually, which costs $200. Furthermore, properties in Sandbridge have less restrictive requirements than those elsewhere in the city, which often require a Conditional Use Permit. Failing to register can result in penalties.

What is the TOT tax rate in Virginia Beach?

**8%** is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate applicable to short-term rentals in Virginia Beach. You need to collect this tax from guests and remit it monthly to the City Treasurer. In addition to the 8% tax, there is also a $1 per night fee charged by the city.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Virginia Beach?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Virginia Beach, but they are strictly regulated. You need to adhere to specific requirements, including annual registration, maintaining $1 million in liability insurance, and complying with a maximum occupancy limit of 10 guests. Properties in Sandbridge have different requirements.

How much does an STR permit cost in Virginia Beach?

**$200** is the annual fee to obtain a Short-Term Rental (STR) Registration in Virginia Beach. You need to renew this permit every year to legally operate your short-term rental. Note that properties outside of Sandbridge may also need to obtain a Conditional Use Permit, which has separate requirements.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Virginia Beach?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb in Virginia Beach. You need to be the property owner to legally operate a short-term rental. All hosts must register annually and comply with the city's regulations, including insurance and occupancy limits. Violations can result in fines.

Virginia Beach

Moderate

VirginiaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Virginia Beach strictly regulates short-term rentals through a tiered system that differentiates between the Sandbridge Special Service District and the rest of the city. All hosts must register annually, maintain $1M in liability insurance, and comply with a 10-guest maximum occupancy limit.

Restriction level

Severity 21

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $200
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Virginia Beach, you must first check your zoning; properties in Sandbridge have easier paths than those elsewhere, which often require a difficult-to-get Conditional Use Permit. You must pay a $200 annual fee, have $1 million in insurance, and pass a safety inspection. Every month, you must report your income and pay an 8% tax plus a $1 per night fee to the City Treasurer, even if Airbnb collects some taxes for you. Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, capped at 10 total.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$200

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1The $1.00 per night flat fee is often NOT collected by platforms and must be paid manually by the host.
2Parking is strictly limited: you must provide one off-street parking space per bedroom.
3Events and parties (weddings, corporate retreats) are strictly prohibited in STRs.
4You must provide a 'Contract for Services' that includes the local emergency contact's info to all guests.
5The 10-person occupancy cap is an absolute limit, regardless of how many bedrooms the house has.
6If your property is outside Sandbridge or the Resort District, you likely need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which is rare and expensive.
7Verified noise or trash complaints count as 'strikes'; three strikes lead to permit revocation.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Virginia Beach: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Virginia Beach: Most residential areas outside the Sandbridge and Oceanfront districts are prohibited from new STR operations.
Virginia Beach allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Condominiums.

Requirements16 rules

Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Virginia Beach: 1. Most residential areas outside the Sandbridge and Oceanfront districts are prohibited from new STR operations. 2. Grandfathered status is revoked if the property is not used as an STR for two consecutive years. 3. You can only accept a maximum of two rental contracts within any seven consecutive days. 4. Accessory structures like guest houses or converted garages cannot be used as STRs. 5. As of late 2025, zoning violations are criminal misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000. 6. A 4-by-4-foot identification sign must be posted on the property for public complaints. 7. The 9% city tax must be remitted manually if your platform (like Airbnb) does not collect it. 8. A structural safety inspection for decks and balconies is required every three years.

Application process9 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Virginia Beach: Step 1: Zoning Eligibility Check - Verify your property is in the Sandbridge SSD, Oceanfront Resort Overlay, or is a grandfathered property. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.virginiabeach.gov/services/short-term-rentals Step 2: Register with Commissioner of Revenue - Register for the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) account. Documents needed: Business identification. Estimated time: 3-5 days. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.virginiabeach.gov/city-hall/departments/commissioner-of-revenue/short-term-rentals Step 3: Submit STR Zoning Permit Application - Submit application via Accela portal including the $200 application fee. Documents needed: Parking plan, Liability insurance proof, Sworn Statement. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 200. More info: https://www.virginiabeach.gov/services/short-term-rentals Step 4: Pass Life-Safety Inspection - Schedule and pass the required life-safety and (if applicable) structural inspection. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Step 5: Pay Final Permit Balance - Upon approval, pay the remaining $300 balance of the $500 annual permit fee. Estimated time: 1 day. Cost: 300.

Fees & costs1 rule

Virginia Beach charges a registration fee of $500 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $200 (A $200 application fee is charged upfront; if approved, it is credited toward the $500 annual fee. If denied, the $200 is non-refundable.).

Taxes3 rules

Virginia Beach: The 9% city tax must be remitted manually if your platform (like Airbnb) does not collect it.
Virginia has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Virginia Beach occupancy calculation: Two adults per bedroom between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Virginia Beach enforces quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. (no outdoor amplified sound).
Virginia Beach: You can only accept a maximum of two rental contracts within any seven consecutive days.
Virginia Beach limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety requirements2 rules

Virginia Beach: A structural safety inspection for decks and balconies is required every three years.

Penalties5 rules

Virginia Beach: As of late 2025, zoning violations are criminal misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000.
Virginia Beach enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,000 fine. Second offense: $1,500 fine. Third offense: $2,000 fine. Maximum fine: $2,000 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions2 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Virginia Beach

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning Verification

Determine if your property is in the Sandbridge District or if you require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) via the Planning department.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Liability Insurance

Secure a $1,000,000 liability policy that covers short-term rental activity.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Insurance Policy Dek Page

Step 3

Submit STR Registration

Apply through the online portal or by mail. Include the safety checklist and proof of insurance.

2-4 weeks$200

Documents needed

Zoning Registration Form
Safety Certificate

Official resource

Step 4

Establish Tax Account

1 weekFree

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Virginia Beach

Moderate

VirginiaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 21

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $200
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$200

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1The $1.00 per night flat fee is often NOT collected by platforms and must be paid manually by the host.
2Parking is strictly limited: you must provide one off-street parking space per bedroom.
3Events and parties (weddings, corporate retreats) are strictly prohibited in STRs.
4You must provide a 'Contract for Services' that includes the local emergency contact's info to all guests.
5The 10-person occupancy cap is an absolute limit, regardless of how many bedrooms the house has.
6If your property is outside Sandbridge or the Resort District, you likely need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which is rare and expensive.
7Verified noise or trash complaints count as 'strikes'; three strikes lead to permit revocation.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Virginia Beach: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Virginia Beach: Most residential areas outside the Sandbridge and Oceanfront districts are prohibited from new STR operations.
Virginia Beach allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Condominiums.

Requirements16 rules

Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Virginia Beach: 1. Most residential areas outside the Sandbridge and Oceanfront districts are prohibited from new STR operations. 2. Grandfathered status is revoked if the property is not used as an STR for two consecutive years. 3. You can only accept a maximum of two rental contracts within any seven consecutive days. 4. Accessory structures like guest houses or converted garages cannot be used as STRs. 5. As of late 2025, zoning violations are criminal misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000. 6. A 4-by-4-foot identification sign must be posted on the property for public complaints. 7. The 9% city tax must be remitted manually if your platform (like Airbnb) does not collect it. 8. A structural safety inspection for decks and balconies is required every three years.

Application process9 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Virginia Beach: Step 1: Zoning Eligibility Check - Verify your property is in the Sandbridge SSD, Oceanfront Resort Overlay, or is a grandfathered property. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.virginiabeach.gov/services/short-term-rentals Step 2: Register with Commissioner of Revenue - Register for the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) account. Documents needed: Business identification. Estimated time: 3-5 days. Cost: 50. More info: https://www.virginiabeach.gov/city-hall/departments/commissioner-of-revenue/short-term-rentals Step 3: Submit STR Zoning Permit Application - Submit application via Accela portal including the $200 application fee. Documents needed: Parking plan, Liability insurance proof, Sworn Statement. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 200. More info: https://www.virginiabeach.gov/services/short-term-rentals Step 4: Pass Life-Safety Inspection - Schedule and pass the required life-safety and (if applicable) structural inspection. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Step 5: Pay Final Permit Balance - Upon approval, pay the remaining $300 balance of the $500 annual permit fee. Estimated time: 1 day. Cost: 300.

Fees & costs1 rule

Virginia Beach charges a registration fee of $500 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $200 (A $200 application fee is charged upfront; if approved, it is credited toward the $500 annual fee. If denied, the $200 is non-refundable.).

Taxes3 rules

Virginia Beach: The 9% city tax must be remitted manually if your platform (like Airbnb) does not collect it.
Virginia has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Virginia Beach occupancy calculation: Two adults per bedroom between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Virginia Beach enforces quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. (no outdoor amplified sound).
Virginia Beach: You can only accept a maximum of two rental contracts within any seven consecutive days.
Virginia Beach limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety requirements2 rules

Virginia Beach: A structural safety inspection for decks and balconies is required every three years.

Penalties5 rules

Virginia Beach: As of late 2025, zoning violations are criminal misdemeanors with fines up to $2,000.
Virginia Beach enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $1,000 fine. Second offense: $1,500 fine. Third offense: $2,000 fine. Maximum fine: $2,000 per violation. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions2 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Virginia Beach

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning Verification

Determine if your property is in the Sandbridge District or if you require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) via the Planning department.

1 weekFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Liability Insurance

Secure a $1,000,000 liability policy that covers short-term rental activity.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Insurance Policy Dek Page

Step 3

Submit STR Registration

Apply through the online portal or by mail. Include the safety checklist and proof of insurance.

2-4 weeks$200

Documents needed

Zoning Registration Form
Safety Certificate

Official resource

Step 4

Establish Tax Account

1 weekFree

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning Verification

Obtain Liability Insurance

Submit STR Registration

Establish Tax Account

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Virginia Beach?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Virginia Beach?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Virginia Beach?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Virginia Beach?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Virginia Beach?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning Verification

Obtain Liability Insurance

Submit STR Registration

Establish Tax Account

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Virginia Beach?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Virginia Beach?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Virginia Beach?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Virginia Beach?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Virginia Beach?

Disclaimer