Richmond, VA Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Applying for a Short-Term Rental Permit — Beginning July 1, 2020, applicants can apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit through the City's Online Permit Portal. Required documentation to apply includes the following: Short-Term Rental Owner Affidavit acknowledging compliance with the rules for operating a short-term rental (See Supporting Documentation in the Online Permit Portal for a copy of the Short-Term Rental Owner Affidavit); A dimensioned floor plan of the layout of the dwelling unit, on which the following are labeled: 1. the use of each room; 2. the occupancy level of sleeping rooms; 3. the cooking facilities, if applicable; 4. the location and size of emergency egress and rescue openings; and 5. the location of fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Proof of Primary Residency: See the Owner Affidavit for required documentation. Prior to issuance of the Certificate of Zoning Compliance for the Short-Term Rental Permit, an inspection of the building, structure or premises shall be required in order to verify conformance with applicable regulations (Sec. 30-1020.3 of City Code).