Richmond, VA Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual cap
- None
- Residency rule
- 185+ days/year
- Occupancy
- 2 adults per bedroom, 6 max
- TOT
- 8% city + 1% state
- Whole-home
- Prohibited absent SUP
Summary
Richmond does not impose an annual night cap on owner-occupied STRs. Rentals are unlimited so long as the operator maintains primary residency at least 185 days per year and remains compliant with the STR permit.
Number of nights a short-term rental can operate: The number of nights a short-term rental can operate is not limited. Number of persons who can rent per night: The total number of adult renters (at least one being 18 years of age or older) allowed in a short-term rental shall be limited to eight adults. Double booking which consists of more than one booking transaction occurring at the same time is not allowed. The number of children per rental is not limited. Occupancy may be further limited under the Building Code. Unhosted vs. Hosted Stays: This legislation does not distinguish between hosted and unhosted stays; whole house rentals (unhosted stays) are permitted in all zones as the operator is not required to be on site during the stay.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
6 governs short-term rentals. Unlike Charlottesville or Arlington County, Richmond does not cap the number of rental nights per year. The operator must hold a Conditional Use Permit or Administrative STR Permit, live in the dwelling as their primary residence at least 185 days per calendar year, and rent to no more than two adult guests per bedroom up to six adults total. 3 percent on the room rate. Non-owner-occupied (whole-home absent-host) STRs are generally prohibited except where a special use permit has been granted by City Council. 2-983 authorizes but does not preempt Richmond's STR framework, and Dillon's Rule means Richmond's 185-day residency rule is enforceable as written.
Violations & Fines
Operation without permit or exceeding 185-day absence: permit revocation, civil penalty $500 first offense escalating to $2,500 per VA Code §15.2-2209, plus back TOT with 10% penalty plus interest under VA Code §58.1-3916.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights can I rent my Richmond home on Airbnb each year?
What taxes do I owe on my Richmond STR?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
Compare Richmond to another location·View the Virginia short-term rentals overview
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