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Charleston County, SC Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Limited Home Rental cap
72 days per year
Extended Home Rental cap
144 days per year
Individual term limit
29 consecutive days
Basis
Aggregate per calendar year
Commercial Guest House
No 72/144 residential cap

Summary

Charleston County caps how many days a home may be rented short-term. A Limited Home Rental may be rented up to 72 days per calendar year; an Extended Home Rental up to 144 days. Individual rental terms may not exceed 29 consecutive days.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Charleston County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A Limited Home Rental is a property with an owner-occupied residential dwelling... not to exceed 72 days in the aggregate during any calendar Year, with individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days.

Full Breakdown

Article 6.8 sets firm annual night caps. A Limited Home Rental (owner-occupied) may not exceed 72 days in the aggregate during any calendar year, with individual rental terms not exceeding 29 consecutive days. An Extended Home Rental covers rentals for more than 72 days but not to exceed 144 days in the aggregate per calendar year, again with individual terms capped at 29 consecutive days. Commercial Guest Houses in commercial districts serve intervals of 29 days or less without the 72/144-day residential aggregate cap. These caps are the defining line between the two residential permit tiers and the extra Special Exception review triggered above 72 days.

Violations & Fines

Renting beyond the permitted 72- or 144-day cap violates the STR permit definition and is enforced under Article 6.8.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days can I rent my home?
Up to 72 days a year as a Limited Home Rental, or up to 144 days as an Extended Home Rental (which requires a Special Exception).
How long can one booking be?
Individual rental terms may not exceed 29 consecutive days; anything longer is not a short-term rental under the ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Charleston County

All Charleston County rules

Compare Charleston County to another location·View the South Carolina short-term rentals overview

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