Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Short-Term Rental Annual Registration (Commissioner of Revenue) + Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit ($250) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit |
| Tax Rate | 15% + $2/night |
| Max Penalty | $500/day |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Short-Term Rental Annual Registration (Commissioner of Revenue) + Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $250 |
| Renewal | $250 / 1 year |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Application Process
Annual registration with Commissioner of Revenue (ministerial, provides name and property address). Zoning permit required separately. If lessee/sublessee, must provide attestation that property owner granted permission.
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach Transient Occupancy Tax | 8% | City of Virginia Beach |
| Regional Transient Occupancy Tax | 1% | Virginia (Hampton Roads region) |
| Virginia State Sales Tax | 6% | Virginia Department of Taxation |
| Flat fee | $2 per night | City of Virginia Beach |
Combined rate: 15% + $2/night of gross rental income.
Collection: Platform auto-remit (accommodations intermediaries collect and remit); self-remit for direct bookings
Filing: Monthly (due by 20th of following month)
Rental Limits
Virginia Beach does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.
Occupancy & Density Limits
Maximum 3 people per bedroom after 11 p.m.
Zoning & Restrictions
STRs are subject to the Short-Term Rental Overlay District regulations. Only properties in designated STR overlay zones are permitted. Properties outside overlay districts require conditional use permit or are prohibited.
Insurance & Safety
Safety & Operating Requirements
- No outdoor amplified noise after 10 p.m. or before 10 a.m.
- No events over 50 people without special events permit
- No more than 3 special events per year
- No more than 2 rental contracts per consecutive 7-day period
- Emergency contact/agent must respond within 30 minutes of complaint call
Penalties for Non-Compliance
$500/day penalty for unregistered operation; 10% late filing penalty (min $10); Class 1 misdemeanor for violations
Platform Requirements
Accommodations intermediaries (Airbnb, VRBO) must collect and remit transient occupancy tax. Must report property addresses and gross receipts monthly to Commissioner of Revenue. $500 penalty for failing to timely provide report.
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Virginia Beach:
- Meet safety requirements. No outdoor amplified noise after 10 p.m. or before 10 a.m. No events over 50 people without special events permit. No more than 3 special events per year. No more than 2 rental contracts per consecutive 7-day period. Emergency contact/agent must respond within 30 minutes of complaint call.
- Apply for Short-Term Rental Annual Registration (Commissioner of Revenue) + Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit. Submit application + $250 fee.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue.
- Collect and remit taxes. 15% + $2/night on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.