Looking to rent your property to make a little extra cash? Your property can be a helpful income generator but remember - the County rules to follow.

Renting Space – There are various renting scenarios that allow residents to generate additional income. Each scenario has different processes and limitations. Here are three examples.

• Renting your dwelling for stays of 30+ consecutive days may be allowed with no County permits or other approvals, subject to limits on the occupancy of a dwelling in the Zoning Ordinance. However, if you create a separate living space akin to an apartment within your home, that’s an accessory dwelling unit (ALU). Rules for ALUs include but are not limited to obtaining an ALU permit, obtaining required building permits and inspections, and limiting the ALU's occupancy to two people.

• Renting your dwelling for shorter stays, typically via a website such as AirBnb or Vrbo, is short-term lodging (STL) and requires zoning approval of a STL Permit. The space used for STL cannot be an ALU, nor can any property be used for both an ALU and STL. Other limitations apply, such as not renting your STL for more than 60 nights per calendar year, not allowing large gatherings or events, and no groups of more than 6 adults.

• If you have an entertainer’s back yard, it may be tempting to rent it for parties or events, but that violates the Zoning Ordinance because doing so is commercial use not allowed in any residential zoning district.

For any business endeavor, including renting your property, you may also need a Business License, and can find more information from the Department of Tax Administration. Thinking about starting a business? Start here with helpful information from the Department of Economic Initiatives.

The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.