West Virginia short-term rental regulations

West Virginia · The Mountain State4 markets coveredUpdated Mar 26, 2026

Restriction mix4 markets

Prohibited0

Strict0

Moderate2 · 50%

Permissive2 · 50%

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Moderate

Permit required · STRs broadly allowed

2 markets

Permit + tax registration required; otherwise STRs are broadly allowed.

Fayetteville

West Virginia

Moderate

The Town of Fayetteville regulates short-term rentals under the classification of 'Tourist Homes' within its zoning code.

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence

Permit fee $150.1% tax

Charleston

West Virginia

Moderate

Charleston requires short-term rental operators to obtain a state business registration, a city business license, and a residential rental license for each...

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence

Free permit0.1% tax

Permissive

Light-touch rules · STRs welcome

2 markets

Minimal restrictions: basic registration, no permit caps, no night limits.

Berkeley Springs

West Virginia

Permissive

The Town of Bath (Berkeley Springs) does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance.

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence

Permit fee $150.1% tax

Harpers Ferry

West Virginia

Permissive

Harpers Ferry does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, but hosts are required to obtain a general Town Business License and a West Virginia State...

Permit requiredNight limitPrimary residence

Permit fee $150.1% tax

Neighboring states & common comparisons

Virginia21 markets Ohio20 markets Pennsylvania

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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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 local planning department before operating a short-term rental.