LicensedRental

Virginia county rules

Loudoun County, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Loudoun County requires every short-term rental outside its towns to register with the county each year (free) and get a zoning permit, with a floor plan and parking drawing. Leesburg, Middleburg, and Purcellville run their own rules. Stays pay 6% sales tax plus a lodging tax of 8% in the county or the town’s own rate.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
Market
About 500 Airbnb listings
Leesburg 106, Purcellville 75, Sterling 55, Bluemont 53, Middleburg 43, Lovettsville 39 (AirROI).Source
Sales tax
6%
Lodging tax
8% outside the towns
The county tax doesn’t apply inside the towns; see each town for its own tax.Source
Local rules
County, Leesburg, Middleburg, Purcellville
Each has its own permit. Middleburg needs a special use permit from Town Council.

We don’t have pages yet for Lovettsville, Round Hill, Hamilton, or Hillsboro. Ask the town about its zoning and lodging tax before you list.

What to do

  1. 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.

Towns

Full guide

Leesburg

Leesburg allows homestays with a home occupation permit, renewed free each year, a pre-inspection, and a parking sketch. Up to six guests a night. Stays pay 6% sales tax plus a 12% lodging tax (9% town + 3% regional).

Full guide

Middleburg

Middleburg allows short-term rentals only with a special use permit from Town Council, in single-family homes on lots of at least 10,000 square feet, for no more than 180 nights a year and two-night minimum stays. The application needs a management plan with a floor plan and site sketch. Stays pay 6% sales tax plus an 8% lodging tax.

Full guide

Purcellville

Purcellville allows short-term rentals only in the operator’s primary residence, with a $100 zoning permit good for two years and a town business license. Up to four unrelated adults, and no more than 90 nights a year when you’re away. Stays pay 6% sales tax plus any town lodging tax.

Full guide

Unincorporated Loudoun County

Outside its towns, Loudoun County requires a free yearly short-term rental registration and a zoning permit with a floor plan and parking drawing. Renting part of a home you live in (or its accessory unit) is capped at 180 days a year; a home used only as a rental may need a special exception. Stays pay 6% sales tax plus an 8% lodging tax.

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.