LicensedRental

Fairfax County, Virginia

Unincorporated Fairfax County, VA vacation rental requirements

Outside its three towns, Fairfax County requires a $285 short-term lodging permit, good for two years. You must live in the home at least 185 days a year, rent it no more than 60 nights a year, and host no more than six adults at a time. A posted exit plan is required in every guest bedroom.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026

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County permit
$285, good for 2 years
Apply online through PLUS. It expires automatically; reapply before it runs out.Source
Who can host
Your primary residence only
You live there at least 185 days a year. Tenants can host with the owner’s written consent. One property per host.Source
Nights
60 per calendar year
Guests
Up to 6 adults
Children with them don’t count. One booking at a time.Source
Parking
1 off-street space for guests
Taxes
6% sales + 9% lodging tax

Short-term lodging isn’t allowed in detached accessory buildings, accessory living units, or affordable or workforce dwelling units.

The county permit doesn’t override HOA or condo rules, which may ban short-term rentals.

Your licensing checklist

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

Commonwealth of Virginia

  1. 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 a business with Virginia Tax →

  2. 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

  3. 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

Fairfax County, Virginia

  1. File the transient occupancy tax if guests pay you directly

    Airbnb and other platforms collect and pay Fairfax County’s tax on their bookings. For direct bookings, file a return and pay the Department of Tax Administration every month by the 20th.Source

    Fairfax County transient occupancy tax →

  2. Then your town or area

    Towns set their own zoning and some set their own lodging tax. The county’s rules apply outside town limits. Pick your area.

Fairfax County (outside Herndon, Vienna, and Clifton)

  1. Line up your documents

    You need a government ID or vehicle registration and a utility bill showing you live at the address, a signed consent letter from your authorized agent (an adult other than you who handles problems), and, if you rent the home, the owner’s permission letter confirming the guest parking space.Source

  2. Apply for the permit in PLUS

    Apply and pay the $285 fee online. With complete paperwork it takes about 14 days. There’s no inspection before the permit is issued, but the county can inspect on request.Source

    Fairfax County PLUS portal →

  3. Put the permit number in every listing

    Each ad must show your permit number, where the guest parking space is, and other parking or transit options. Leaving the permit number off is a violation.Source

  4. Get a business license if you earn over $10,000

    A county business license (BPOL) is required once your gross receipts pass $10,000 in a calendar year.Source

  5. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 6% 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 Fairfax County’s 9% transient occupancy tax with the Department of Tax Administration every month by the 20th.Source

Fees

$285 every two years

Short-term lodging permit (2 years)Paid online; card payments add 2.35%.$285

Source

Inspection checklist

What the inspector looks for, from Fairfax County (outside Herndon, Vienna, and Clifton)’s published checklist.

  • Multi-purpose fire extinguisher
  • Interconnected smoke detectors
  • Carbon monoxide detectorsWhere a fireplace or gas service calls for them.Source
  • Exit plan posted inside each sleeping room door
  • Second way out of basement bedroomsSuch as an emergency egress window, if a converted basement is used for sleeping.Source

House rules for guests

Events
Not allowed
No parties, weddings, meetings, fundraisers, banquets, or commercial events.Source
Guest log
Name, address, and phone of every overnight guest
Show it to county staff on request.Source
Agent contact
Posted in the rental
And given to guests in writing.Source

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.