Step 1
Obtain WV State Business Registration
Register with the West Virginia State Tax Department to receive a Business Registration Certificate for each rental location.
2-4 weeks$30
Documents needed
- Federal Employer ID or SSN
- Ownership information
Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Charleston requires short-term rental operators to obtain a state business registration, a city business license, and a residential rental license for each unit.
To host a short-term rental in Charleston, you must register your business with the state and the city. You need to file for a 'Residential Rental License' for each unit, which currently has no application fee, and pay a 1% Business and Occupation (B&O) tax on your gross income. Your property must also pass safety standards and collect occupancy taxes from guests.
Step-by-step guide for Charleston
Register with the West Virginia State Tax Department to receive a Business Registration Certificate for each rental location.
Submit a Business Registration application to the Office of the City Collector to authorize business activity within city limits.
Complete the 'Application for Residential Rental License' for each unit you plan to rent short-term.
Coordinate with the Charleston Fire Prevention Bureau to inspect the property for compliance with fire and safety codes.
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 Details may be outdated or incomplete.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