Planning to advertise your house for short-term rentals? A permit is required, and there are other requirements for you and your guests to keep in mind.
Short-Term Lodging (STL) - The use of a home for STL - the occupancy of a dwelling for less than 30 days in a row - is regulated by the Zoning Ordinance. STL is usually listed through a website but includes any residential lease agreements for less than 30 days in a row. Only a resident of the home (including renters with owner permission) can operate an STL and must get an STL permit from the Department of Planning and Development before beginning rentals. Standards exist to keep lodgers safe and minimize impacts on the surrounding community. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) responds to reports of potential violations of the STL requirements or limitations in the Zoning Ordinance. STL rules include, but are not limited to:
- A home can only be rented for STL for up to 60 nights per calendar year.
- Online posts for STL must include the STL permit number.
- Only six adults are allowed in an STL rental.
- STL must be contained within the home, not in an accessory structure.
- Events or gatherings of anyone other than the short-term renters, such as weddings or reunions, are not allowed.
STL permits are valid for two years, at which point a new permit is required. Permits can be searched or applied for in PLUS.
Similar to most endeavors, STL may require a Business License from the Department of Tax Administration. Transient Occupancy Tax also applies to any public or private hotel, inn, apartment hotel, hostelry, tourist home or house, motel, rooming house, or any place that offers short-term lodging.
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.