Charleston requires every residential landlord earning rental income within city limits to obtain an annual business license under Chapter 8 of the Code, with gross-receipts-based fees due each April for the prior calendar year.
Under Charleston Code Chapter 8, anyone receiving rental income from real property inside city limits is conducting a business and must hold a current city business license. The license uses a gross-receipts schedule (rate class 4 for real-estate rental) with minimum annual fees. Renewal applications are due by April 30, and the city audits delinquencies through cross-reference with Charleston County tax records. The license is separate from any STR permit; long-term landlords need only the business license, while STR operators need both. Investor LLCs holding multiple properties typically file consolidated returns.
Operating without a business license carries penalties up to $1,087 plus 5% per-month delinquency fees and back-license assessment for prior unlicensed years.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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