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Short-Term Rentals in Charleston, WV (2026)

6 verified short-term rentals rules for Charleston, West Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Permit Requirements

Charleston requires short-term rental operators to obtain a city business license under Chapter 10 and remit hotel occupancy tax. Listings on Airbnb or Vrbo must register with the city before accepting guests.

Charleston Short-Term Rental Business License

Some Restrictions

Noise Rules

Short-term rental guests in Charleston must follow the city general noise ordinance and quiet-hour standards in residential zones. STR hosts are responsible for guest conduct and may face escalating fines for repeat noise complaints.

STR Noise Rules in Charleston Neighborhoods

Some Restrictions

Taxes & Fees

Short-term rental operators in Charleston must collect 6 percent city hotel occupancy tax on every booking under 30 nights, in addition to the 6 percent West Virginia hotel tax, and remit monthly to the Finance Department.

Charleston Hotel Occupancy Tax for STRs

Some Restrictions

Parking Rules

Charleston short-term rental operators should provide off-street parking consistent with zoning code Chapter 42 standards for the underlying residential use, since on-street parking may be limited especially in East End historic blocks.

Parking Requirements for Charleston STRs

Few Restrictions

Occupancy Limits

Charleston short-term rentals must comply with building code occupancy limits and zoning density rules. The International Building Code adopted under Chapter 8 limits sleepers based on bedroom count and square footage in residential dwellings.

Occupancy Caps in Charleston STR Listings

Some Restrictions

Insurance Requirements

Charleston does not impose a city-mandated insurance minimum for short-term rentals, but operators should carry commercial liability coverage since standard homeowner policies typically exclude transient business use of the dwelling.

STR Insurance Recommendations in Charleston

Few Restrictions

Looking for Kanawha County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.

Short-Term Rentals in Kanawha County