Accomack County, Virginia
Chincoteague, VA vacation rental requirements
Chincoteague allows vacation rentals by right in its R-1 residential zones and needs only a town business license. In June 2026 the council rejected a ban on new rentals in R-1 neighborhoods and a $500 license fee, but a housing study could bring limits later. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus 7% lodging tax (5% town + 2% county).
Checked against official sources November 7, 2026Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.
In June 2026 the town council voted down a ban on new short-term rentals in ten R-1 neighborhoods and a plan to raise the rental license fee to $500. The town still plans housing and economic studies, which could lead to a zoning overlay limiting rentals. Check before you buy.
Your licensing checklist
In order: the state, the county, then the town.
Commonwealth of Virginia
Know who pays the tax
When a platform like Airbnb books the stay, it collects and pays the state sales tax and the local lodging tax for you. If guests pay you directly, register with Virginia Tax for sales tax and with your county or city for the transient occupancy tax.Source
Register with your locality if it has a registry
Many counties and cities require short-term rental hosts to register every year. Registration is a simple filing (your name, each address, and the owner’s permission if you lease the home), but listing an unregistered rental can cost up to $500 per violation.Source
Check your zoning
Counties and cities keep their power to decide where short-term rentals are allowed and whether you need a zoning or use permit. HOA and condo rules still apply on top. Pick your area for the local rules.Source
Accomack County, Virginia
Register for the county lodging tax
If guests pay you directly, register with the Commissioner of the Revenue every year and file the county’s transient occupancy tax each quarter (due January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31). All lodging providers also file a yearly attestation form. Airbnb collects the tax on its bookings.Source
Then your town or area
Towns set their own zoning and lodging tax, and the county sets them outside town limits. Pick your area.
Town of Chincoteague
Get a town business license
Each short-term rental needs a Town of Chincoteague business license, renewed by April 30 each year. The tax is $0.13 per $100 of last year’s gross receipts, with a $50 minimum and $500 maximum.Source
Taxes on each stay
Stays under 90 days owe 5.3% sales tax, and stays under 30 days also owe the local transient occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with Virginia Tax. For direct bookings, file the town’s 5% transient occupancy tax with the Town of Chincoteague and the county’s 2% with the Accomack County Commissioner of the Revenue each quarter.Source
Check your deed and HOA
Town zoning allows vacation rentals in R-1, but private deed restrictions or covenants in your subdivision can still forbid them.Source
Fees
At least $50 a year
| Business license (yearly)$0.13 per $100 of prior-year gross receipts. | $50 minimum, up to $500 |
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Sources
- Guidelines for sales tax on accommodations (P.D. 21-116) · Virginia Tax
- Short-term rental registries (Va. Code § 15.2-983) · Virginia General Assembly
- Transient Taxes · Accomack County Commissioner of the Revenue
- Taxes · Town of Chincoteague
- Chincoteague rejects restrictions on short-term rentals (June 23, 2026) · WHRO Public Media
- Virginia Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
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.