Chesapeake does not operate a general rental property registration or licensing program for standard long-term rentals. Rental housing is governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Virginia Maintenance Code. Short-term rentals are regulated separately under the city zoning ordinance and Transient Occupancy Tax provisions.
Unlike some Virginia jurisdictions that adopt rental inspection programs under VA Code Section 36-105.1:1 (targeted to blighted districts), Chesapeake has not designated a rental inspection district citywide. Long-term residential landlords are not required to obtain a rental license or register units with the city. However, landlords must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Virginia Maintenance Code, which Chesapeake enforces through its Code Compliance division. Landlords operating five or more single-family rentals or ten or more multi-family units in Virginia must provide the VRLTA Statement of Tenant Rights. Short-term rental operators must comply with Chesapeake zoning and file Transient Occupancy Tax returns with the Commissioner of the Revenue. Business owners renting real estate commercially may need a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Failure to comply with Virginia Maintenance Code: corrective orders and civil penalties through Chesapeake Code Compliance. Operating unlicensed short-term rental: zoning violation.
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake does not impose gas leaf blower bans or specific decibel caps. Leaf blower use is regulated by the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 38) ...
Chesapeake, VA
Vehicle noise in Chesapeake includes restrictions on modified exhaust, squealing tires, and loud car audio. Sound systems audible at 50 feet can be cited und...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) and Chapter 38 (Noise). Barking that continues for 20 minu...
Chesapeake, VA
Amplified music in Chesapeake must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM (11 PM to 8 AM on weekends). Outdoor events with ...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake fence height limits are typically 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards under the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance. Corner lots and p...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake requires all dogs to be under physical restraint (leash or confinement) when off the owners property under City Code Chapter 10. Leash length is n...
See how Chesapeake's rental registration rules stack up against other locations.
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