Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Alexandria City each operate under their own STR rules. What's allowed in one jurisdiction might be prohibited in the next.
Virginia Code § 15.2-983 grants localities broad authority to regulate short-term rentals through zoning, licensing, and inspection requirements. Crucially, the state law limits localities from completely prohibiting STRs in single-family residential zones where the operator occupies the property as their primary residence.
Need help navigating Virginia's patchwork regulations? Get a free compliance assessment from Alcove Stays.
Fairfax County is Northern Virginia's largest jurisdiction. The county allows short-term rentals with conditions through its Zoning Ordinance amendments.
| Tax Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia state sales tax | 5.3% | State-level tax on STR revenue |
| Fairfax County TOT | Varies | Verify current rate with Fairfax County Tax Administration |
Major booking platforms collect and remit these taxes automatically. Direct bookings are the host's responsibility.
Arlington requires a zoning permit for vacation rentals. Primary residence requirement applies, and restrictions vary by property type. Contact Arlington County Zoning for current permit requirements and fees.
Alexandria requires a Home Occupation Permit for STR operation. The property must be your primary residence. Compliance with zoning, safety, and tax requirements is mandatory.
Operating in Arlington or Alexandria? Alcove Stays can confirm your specific address requirements.
Yes. Fairfax County imposes approximately a 60-night annual cap on unhosted vacation rentals. Hosted rentals may have different limits. Verify current rules with Fairfax County Zoning Administration.
Yes, but Arlington County requires a zoning permit for vacation rentals. Primary residence requirement applies, and restrictions vary by property type. Contact Arlington County Zoning for current rules.
Yes. Alexandria requires a Home Occupation Permit for STR operation. The property must be your primary residence, and compliance with zoning and tax requirements is mandatory.
Alcove Stays manages permitting, tax remittance, and regulatory compliance across Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria.
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