Winston-Salem does not operate a short-term rental registration program. NCGS 160D-1207 prohibits NC cities from requiring general rental registration as a condition of renting a dwelling. Hosts still register with NCDOR and Forsyth County for tax purposes.
North Carolina General Statute 160D-1207 enacted in 2017 bars local governments from requiring landlords to register residential units, submit to periodic inspections without cause, or obtain a rental permit. This preemption broadly applies to short-term rentals as well. While Winston-Salem does not require an STR registration, hosts have their own tax obligations: register for a sales and use tax account with the NC Department of Revenue, register with Forsyth County Tax Administration for the 6 percent occupancy tax, and obtain any applicable professional privilege license. Hosts should also check for HOA registration requirements in planned communities.
No city registration to violate. Tax registration failures are enforced by NCDOR and Forsyth County.
See how Winston-Salem's registration rules rules stack up against other locations.
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