Asheville Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Homestay Permit ($200) — See below for other permit types |
| Primary Residence | Varies by permit type |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit — 29 days or fewer per stay |
| Tax Rate | 13.75% |
| Max Penalty | Fines apply (amount varies) |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
- Homestay Permit — You live in the property and rent part or all of it ($200)
- Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Permit (Resort Zoning District only) — Not owner-occupied; Resort Zoning District only ($200)
Homestay Permit
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $200 |
| Renewal | $200 / 1 year |
The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.
Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Permit (Resort Zoning District only)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $200 |
| Renewal | $200 / 1 year |
This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Resort Zoning District only.
Application Process
Apply online through City of Asheville website. Annual renewal via separate online form. Annual fire safety inspection required. Contact homestayinspections@ashevillenc.gov.
Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Buncombe County Occupancy Tax | 6% | Buncombe County |
| North Carolina State Sales Tax | 4.75% | NC Department of Revenue |
| Buncombe County Room Occupancy & Tourism Development Tax | 3% | County |
Combined rate: 13.75% of gross rental income.
Collection: Self-remit. Buncombe County occupancy tax filed with Buncombe County Tax Administration. NC state sales tax filed with NC Department of Revenue.
Filing: Monthly. Buncombe County occupancy tax payments due by 20th of each month following the month in which tax accrues. File with Buncombe County Tax Department.
Rental Limits
Asheville does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be 29 days or fewer per stay.
Occupancy & Density Limits
Maximum 2 guest rooms
Zoning & Restrictions
Homestays (owner-occupied, 1-2 rooms) allowed in all residential zones. Whole-home STVRs only allowed in Resort Zoning District. New STVRs banned in residential zones since January 2018.
Insurance & Safety
Safety & Operating Requirements
- Annual fire safety inspection required
- Smoke detectors required
- Carbon monoxide detectors required
- Safe egress required
- Posted occupancy limits and parking arrangements
- Contact information for a local 24/7 manager or agent
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations can lead to fines, permit suspension, permit revocation, forced de-listings for repeat violations.
Platform Requirements
- Permit number must be displayed in all listings
- Platforms must delist properties with revoked or suspended permits upon city notification
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Asheville:
- Determine your permit type. Asheville has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Homestay Permit, Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) Permit (Resort Zoning District only)).
- Meet safety requirements. Annual fire safety inspection required. Smoke detectors required. Carbon monoxide detectors required. Safe egress required. Posted occupancy limits and parking arrangements. Contact information for a local 24/7 manager or agent.
- Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $200 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
- Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
- Collect and remit taxes. 13.75% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $200 renewal fee.