Virginia Short-Term Rental Registry and Local Authority

Virginia Code Section 15.2-983 grants localities the authority to adopt ordinances requiring operators of short-term rentals to register annually. The statute defines short-term rental as the provision of a room or space suitable for sleeping or lodging for less than thirty consecutive days in exchange for a charge. Registration may include fees, and localities may exempt operators already licensed under other state programs. The state does not preempt local zoning authority, but it does provide the enabling framework for consistent registration statewide.

Operating without registration may result in civil penalties set by the locality, removal from listing platforms, and zoning enforcement actions including fines or denial of future permits.