Fairfax County, VA Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual night cap
- 60 nights per calendar year
- Max lodgers
- Six adults per night
- Rental contracts
- One contract per night
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance 4102.7.O(4)(a)
Summary
Fairfax County limits short-term lodging to no more than 60 nights per calendar year per dwelling, capped further at six adult lodgers and one rental contract per night.
A dwelling or manufactured home may be used for short-term lodging for no more than 60 nights
per calendar year.
(b) The maximum number of lodgers per night may not exceed six adults, except where the USBC
requires fewer occupants.
(c) All lodgers occupying a short-term lodging must be associated with the same rental contract. The
maximum number of rental contracts per night is one.
(d) Events and activities, including luncheons, banquets, parties, weddings, meetings, fund raising,
commercial or advertising activities, and any other gathering of persons other than the authorized lodgers, whether for direct or indirect compensation, are prohibited in association with any short- term lodging.
(e) All advertisements for short-term lodging, posted on any platform online or in any other format,
must include the short-term lodging permit number and identify the location of the parking space required by subsection (2)(d), above, and any other available parking or public transportation options.
(f) A short-term lodging operator must maintain a guest log including the name, address and
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published.
Full Breakdown
Under Zoning Ordinance subsection 4102.7.O(4)(a), a dwelling or manufactured home used for short-term lodging may be rented for no more than 60 nights per calendar year. Subsection (4)(b) caps occupancy at six adults per night, and subsection (4)(c) limits each night's booking to a single rental contract, so the property cannot be split among multiple simultaneous guest groups.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 60-night annual cap or the six-adult occupancy limit is a zoning infraction under subsection 4102.7.O, subject to a $200 civil penalty for a first violation and $500 for each repeat violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights can I rent my Fairfax County home short-term?
Is there a limit on guests per night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
Compare Fairfax County to another location·View the Virginia short-term rentals overview
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