Short-Term Rentals in Burlington, VT

Burlington maintains 13 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Burlington falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Taxes & Fees

Burlington STR hosts must collect Vermont's 9% Rooms tax plus the city's 1% local option rooms tax on every booking, in addition to paying annual STR registration fees set by the Permitting Department.

Key details: State rooms tax: 9%. Local option: 1%. Filing: Monthly via myVTax. Reg fee: ~$187/year.

Failing to remit rooms taxes triggers state-level penalties of 5% per month plus interest, and Burlington can suspend STR registration for unpaid local option taxes.

Noise Rules

Burlington short-term rental hosts must comply with citywide noise rules in Burlington Code of Ordinances Chapter 21, Section 21-13. Quiet hours run 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., when noise that is plainly audible between dwellings is presumed unreasonable. Hosts are required by Chapter 18 to post a notice in the unit informing guests of noise, parking, and trash limits.

Key details: Code Section: Burlington Code §21-13. Quiet Hours: 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.. STR Posting Rule: Notice required (Chapter 18). Construction Noise Curfew: 9:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.. First Noise Fine: Minimum $200.

Citations are issued by the Burlington Police Department under Section 21-13. General noise violations carry a minimum $200 fine for the first offense, $300 for a second offense within 24 months, and may proceed to criminal charges with a $500 fine on a third offense. Party and social gathering violations carry a minimum $300 first-offense and $400 second-offense fine per resident or offender, with all residents of the premise jointly liable. Repeated noise violations at a registered short-term rental can support suspension or revocation of the Chapter 18 STR registration and loss of the host's gross receipts tax account.

This is one of the stricter rules in Burlington's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Burlington's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Burlington is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Burlington's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.