Virginia Statewide Rule
Virginia Short-Term Rental Registry and Local Authority
Key Facts
- Statute
- Va. Code 15.2-983
- Definition Threshold
- Under 30 consecutive days
- Local Authority
- Registration permitted
- Dillon Rule State
- Yes
Summary
Virginia authorizes localities to require short-term rental registration and establishes a statewide framework allowing zoning permits, fees, and conditions for transient occupancy properties offered for fewer than thirty consecutive days.
§ 15.2-983 . Creation of registry for short-term rental of property. A. As used in this section: "Operator" means the proprietor of any dwelling, lodging, or sleeping accommodations offered as a short-term rental, whether in the capacity of owner, lessee, sublessee, mortgagee in possession, licensee, or any other possessory capacity. "Short-term rental" means the provision of a room or space that is suitable or intended for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for a charge for the occupancy. B. 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, any locality may, by ordinance, establish a short-term rental registry and require operators within the locality to register annually. The registration shall be ministerial in nature and shall require the operator to provide (i) the complete name of the operator, (ii) the address of each property in the locality offered for short-term rental by the operator, and (iii) an attestation that the property owner has granted permission for use of such property as a short-term rental if the operator is a lessee or sublessee. A locality may charge a reasonable fee for such registration related to the actual costs of establishing and maintaining the registry. 2.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Penalties
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require a state-level short-term rental license?
What qualifies as a short-term rental under Virginia law?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.