Asheville, NC Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Sec. 7-16-1(c)(9)d sets the host-presence rule at the center of Asheville's homestay ordinance: the operation must be "managed and carried on" by someone at least 18 years old who is both a full-time resident of the dwelling and present at the property for the entire homestay term while lodgers are staying there. The code defines "present during the homestay term" narrowly, requiring the resident to be at the property overnight and barring absences for vacation, visiting friends or family, or travelling out of town on business or personal matters during that window.

The only carve-out is for the ordinary rhythm of daily life; the resident may be temporarily away for activities such as shopping, working, or attending class without breaking the presence requirement. This is what separates a lawful Asheville homestay from an unhosted short-term vacation rental under Sec. 1), which does not require the owner or any resident to be on-site during a guest's stay. Compliance with the presence rule is checked as part of the mandatory annual review and inspection of the homestay permit under Sec.

7-16-1(c)(9)c, and the applicant's status as the full-time, on-site resident must also be documented at the time of application under subsection (9)e with at least two proof-of-residency documents.