Short-term rental permit rules in Charleston, WV — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Charleston requires short-term rental operators to obtain a city business license under Chapter 10 and remit hotel occupancy tax. Listings on Airbnb or Vrbo must register with the city before accepting guests.
Under Charleston Code Chapter 10 (Business License), any person renting residential property for periods of less than 30 days must register as a business and obtain the appropriate license. Operators must collect and remit the city 6 percent hotel occupancy tax in addition to the WV state 6 percent tax, totaling roughly 12 percent. Charleston does not currently cap the number of STRs citywide, but zoning compliance is required since residential districts may restrict transient lodging. The Finance Department processes business license applications, and operators are expected to renew annually.
Operating an unlicensed STR may result in business license penalties, back-tax assessment with interest, and potential abatement under Chapter 10 enforcement provisions.
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See how Charleston's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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