LicensedRental

Virginia county rules

Bedford County, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Bedford County covers the north side of Smith Mountain Lake, one of the region’s biggest rental markets. Every short-term rental needs a yearly zoning permit with a property management plan and floor plan, a local contact within 50 miles, smoke detectors in each bedroom, and on-site parking for cars, boats, and trailers. Renting before you register costs $500.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
Market
About 540 Airbnb listings
Huddleston 188, Moneta 182, Forest 73, Bedford 63, Goodview 34 (AirROI).Source
Registration
Yearly zoning permit
Required before you advertise. Renting first costs a $500 penalty fee.Source
Floor plan
Required
Showing bedrooms, extinguishers, smoke alarms, parking, and trash areas.Source
Local contact
Within 50 miles
Available to respond to complaints right away.Source
Sales tax
5.3%

What to do

  1. Then your town or area

    Each incorporated town sets its own zoning and lodging tax; the county’s rules apply outside town limits. Pick your area.

Towns

Full guide

Bedford

We found no short-term rental rules for Bedford. Stays owe 5.3% sales tax + 5% town lodging tax; Airbnb collects these on its bookings.

Full guide

Unincorporated Bedford County

Bedford County requires a yearly short-term rental zoning permit, with a posted property management plan, a floor plan, a local contact within 50 miles, a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors in each bedroom, and all guest cars, boats, and trailers parked on the lot. On septic, you can’t advertise more bedrooms than the health permit allows.

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 Spot something out of date?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.