Virginia city rules
Hampton, VA vacation rental rules and taxes
Hampton caps short-term rentals at 1% of homes in each of 51 zones, keeps them 300 feet apart, and requires a city permit, an inspection, and an approved floor plan posted for guests. Buckroe’s zone has been full. Stays owe 6% sales tax plus a 9% lodging tax and $2 a night.
Checked against official sources November 7, 2026Hampton’s website blocked our checks in November 2026, so the permit, fee, floor plan, and tax details come from a July 2026 guide that cites the city’s pages and ordinances. Confirm them with the city before you apply.
The rules took effect September 1, 2024. Rentals that were grandfathered had until the end of 2024 to get a permit.
What to do
Check whether your zone has room
Hampton allows short-term rentals in no more than 1% of the homes in each zone, at least 300 feet apart, first come, first served. Ask the city whether your zone has an opening.Source
Apply for the permit and floor plan approval
A home with five or fewer bedrooms, ten or fewer guests, no events, and all parking paved on the lot can get a zoning administrator permit; otherwise you need a use permit from City Council. Submit a floor plan of every level showing exit routes, the bedrooms you rent, and where the fire extinguishers and smoke and CO detectors are. Name a responsible person in Virginia who answers within an hour.Source
Pass the inspection
The city inspects before you open and again every two years. Post the approved floor plan and the city’s fact sheet for guests.Source
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 the lodging tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue by the 20th of the next month.Source
Fees
About $250 to open (secondary source; confirm with the city).
| Application feeDue after approval, before inspection. | $200 |
|---|---|
| Inspection fee | $50 |
Sources
- Hampton approves new restrictions on short-term rentals (June 13, 2024) · WHRO
- Hampton short-term rental regulation guide · bnbcalc
- 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 Spot something out of date?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.