Washoe County, NV Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary-residence rule
- None required
- Non-owner-occupied
- Allowed
- Permit cap
- No countywide cap
- Groups at a time
- One group only
- HOA/CC&R limits
- May still prohibit STRs
Summary
Washoe County does not require an STR to be the owner's primary residence. Non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals are permitted, and there is no cap on the number of STR permits issued countywide.
There is no cap on the number of STR permits in Washoe County.
Full Breakdown
Washoe County Code Article 319 permits short-term rentals of single-family homes, condos, and multi-family units without requiring the owner to live there. The county's STR FAQ confirms there is no cap on the number of STR permits, and permits are issued to non-owner-occupied whole-home rentals so long as occupancy, parking, safety, and tax requirements are met. Only one group may rent the home at a time. Note that HOAs and CC&Rs may independently prohibit short-term rentals; the county's ordinance does not override private covenants, and the county neither enters nor enforces those private agreements.
Violations & Fines
No primary-residence rule exists to violate; standard STR non-compliance (permit, occupancy, tax) is enforced under WCC 50.308 and Chapter 125. HOA/CC&R restrictions are enforced privately, not by the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I live in the home to run an STR?
Can my HOA still ban short-term rentals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada short-term rentals overview
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