Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Short-Term Rentals

How Reno Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Reno maintains 144 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 Reno falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Reno requires anyone renting out transient lodging, including vacation homes, condos, and timeshares booked for under 28 days, to get a license from the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority before taking guests.

Key details: Licensing authority: Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. Covered stays: Under 28 consecutive days. Covered units: Vacation homes, condos, timeshares. Penalty structure: Each day unlicensed = separate violation.

Operating without the required license is unlawful; RMC § 2.10.210 makes each day the unlicensed rental business is conducted a separate, distinct violation.

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

Taxes & Fees

Reno taxes short-term rentals as transient lodging: a 1% citywide license tax on gross receipts, plus an extra 1% in the downtown police-assessment district and 1.5% in the redevelopment bond district, collected by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

Key details: Base tax rate: 1% of gross lodging receipts. Assessment district add-on: extra 1% in police district. Redevelopment district add-on: extra 1.5% in bond district. Collecting agency: Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. Long-stay exemption: 28+ consecutive days exempt.

Renting without the required transient lodging license, or failing to remit the tax, draws a 10% penalty (or $100 minimum) plus 1.5% monthly interest under Sec. 2.10.200(b); operating without the license under Sec. 2.10.210 is a separate violation each day.

The Bottom Line

Reno'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 Reno is broadly strict or permissive.

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