Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Richmond, VA (2026)

Whether Richmond, VA permits short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local planning department at (804) 646-6304 to verify current STR rules — including whether hosting is permitted at all, registration requirements, and any local restrictions — before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Whether short-term rental registration is required in Richmond has not been confirmed from official sources. Contact the local planning department or local building department to verify current registration requirements before hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Richmond beyond standard property codes.

• •Short-term rental permit required for rentals of 30 days or fewer
• •Primary residence requirement — host must own and reside in property
• •Maximum of 2 consecutive rentals allowed without host presence
• •Comply with Richmond noise ordinance and occupancy limits
• •Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguisher required
• •Proof of liability insurance with $500,000 minimum coverage required
• •Virginia Transient Occupancy Tax (7%) applies — platforms collect and remit

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Richmond are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$500–$1,000 fine per day for operating without permit
• ⚠Permit suspension or revocation for repeated violations
• ⚠Code enforcement action for nuisance complaints

Frequently Asked Questions