LicensedRental

Wake County, North Carolina

Wake Forest, NC vacation rental requirements

We found no short-term rental zoning rules in Wake Forest’s code. Stays owe 7.25% sales tax + 6% occupancy tax; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026

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Town rental rules
None found
Taxes
7.25% sales tax + 6% occupancy tax

We searched the town code on Municode in November 2026 and found no short-term rental rules. Wake Forest’s UDO is published separately and we could not search it. Part of the town is in Franklin County; ask the town which rules and taxes apply to your address.

Your licensing checklist

In order: the state, the county, then the town.

State of North Carolina

  1. Know who owes the tax

    Whoever collects the rent reports the sales and occupancy tax: the platform, your rental agency, or you. Airbnb collects state and county sales tax and all local occupancy taxes on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, register with the Department of Revenue for sales tax and with your county or town for occupancy tax.Source

    NCDOR business registration →

  2. Use a written vacation rental agreement

    The Vacation Rental Act covers owners and agents renting for vacation stays under 90 days. Have the guest accept a written agreement with the required notices, hold advance payments in a trust account, and keep the home fit and habitable with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.Source

  3. Check your zoning

    Towns can’t require you to register a rental, but they can limit short-term rentals to certain zoning districts, require a zoning permit, and set parking, trash, and safety standards. Pick your area for the local rules.Source

Wake County, North Carolina

  1. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 7.25% sales tax plus the local occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with the Department of Revenue. Wake County’s 6% room occupancy tax applies everywhere in the county. For direct bookings, register with Wake County Tax Administration and file by the 20th of each month, even when no tax is due.Source

    Wake County room occupancy tax →

  2. Then your city or area

    Zoning rules for short-term rentals are set by each city or town, and by the county outside town limits. Pick your area.

Town of Wake Forest

  1. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 7.25% sales tax plus the local occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with the Department of Revenue. Wake County’s 6% room occupancy tax applies; for direct bookings, file it with Wake County Tax Administration by the 20th.Source

  2. Ask about zoning

    Ask the Town of Wake Forest whether zoning allows a short-term rental at your address. Check your HOA rules too.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.