Short-Term Rentals in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Winston-Salem regulates short-term rentals through its Unified Development Ordinances. NCGS 160D-1207 restricts cities from requiring rental registration as a condition of operating, but Winston-Salem still applies zoning review, fire code, and building code requirements to STR operators. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo operate in the city.
Short Term Rentals: Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsN.C.G.S. 160D-1207(c)
In no event may a local government do any of the following: (i) adopt or enforce any ordinance that would require any owner or manager of rental property to obtain any permit or permission under Article 11 or Article 12 of this Chapter from the local government to lease or rent residential real property or to register rental property with the local government, except for those individual proper...
Noise Rules
Short-term rental guests in Winston-Salem must comply with the citywide noise ordinance. Quiet hours run 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and midnight to 7 AM on weekends. Hosts are responsible for informing guests and for correcting repeat nuisance complaints or risk zoning enforcement action.
Short Term Rentals: Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Winston-Salem STR operators must collect NC state sales tax of 4.75 percent, Forsyth County local sales tax of 2 percent, and the Forsyth County Room Occupancy Tax of 6 percent. Total tax burden on a short-term rental is approximately 12.75 percent. Major platforms collect and remit most of these taxes automatically.
Short Term Rentals: Taxes Fees
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Winston-Salem requires off-street parking sufficient for guest vehicles. STR hosts must provide at least one off-street space per bedroom and may not direct guests to park on neighboring properties or block sidewalks. On-street parking is subject to citywide time limits and neighborhood permit zones.
Short Term Rentals: Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Winston-Salem applies NC Residential Code occupancy standards to STRs. Maximum occupancy is generally two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, subject to minimum square footage per occupant. HOAs and individual listings may impose stricter limits.
Short Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Winston-Salem does not mandate specific insurance for short-term rentals, but standard homeowners policies often exclude commercial rental activity. Hosts are strongly advised to carry a short-term rental rider or commercial policy with at least 1 million dollars in liability coverage.
Short Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements
Few RestrictionsNight Caps
Winston-Salem does not impose a maximum number of rental nights per year on short-term rentals. NCGS 160D-1207 restricts cities from regulating the duration or frequency of residential rentals, which limits any local night-cap program.
Short Term Rentals: Night Caps
Few RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Winston-Salem does not operate a short-term rental registration program. NCGS 160D-1207 prohibits NC cities from requiring general rental registration as a condition of renting a dwelling. Hosts still register with NCDOR and Forsyth County for tax purposes.
Short Term Rentals: Registration Rules
Few RestrictionsN.C.G.S. 160D-1207(c)
In no event may a local government do any of the following: (i) adopt or enforce any ordinance that would require any owner or manager of rental property to obtain any permit or permission under Article 11 or Article 12 of this Chapter from the local government to lease or rent residential real property or to register rental property with the local government, except for those individual proper...