LicensedRental

Montgomery County, Virginia

Blacksburg, VA vacation rental requirements

Blacksburg allows short-term rentals only as “homestays” in owner-occupied homes, registered with the town every year. Rentals are capped at 90 days a year, and no more than 30 of those can be with the host away or more than two bedrooms rented. Renting without registering carries a $500 civil penalty. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the town’s 7% lodging tax.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026

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Market
About 330 Airbnb listings
Who can host
Owner who lives in the home
Since October 2026 a tenant can host one unit in town with the owner’s permission.Source
Day limit
90 days a year
No more than 30 of them with the host away or more than two bedrooms rented.Source
Registration
Every calendar year
Runs January 1 to December 31; renew by December 1.Source
Penalty
$500 civil penalty
For an unregistered or noncompliant homestay.Source
Taxes
5.3% sales + 7% lodging tax

A Charlottesville staff comparison lists Blacksburg’s registration fee as $100 a year and says inspections are required. The town’s page doesn’t show a fee. Confirm both with Planning.

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

Montgomery County, Virginia

  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.

Town of Blacksburg

  1. Make sure the home qualifies

    The home must be owner-occupied: you own it and live there. A tenant can host one unit with the owner’s written permission. Homes with an accessory apartment can’t be used for homestays.Source

  2. Register in OpenGov

    Apply for the homestay registration through the town’s OpenGov portal. It covers one calendar year; renew by December 1 to avoid a gap.Source

    Blacksburg homestay →

  3. Track your rental days

    You can rent up to 90 days a year. “Type A” stays (you’re home and rent two bedrooms or fewer) count toward the 90; “Type B” stays (you’re away, or more than two bedrooms) are limited to 30 days. The monthly tax form asks for both counts.Source

  4. 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. Blacksburg’s 7% lodging tax is filed with the town by the 20th of the next month (2% discount for paying on time), along with your Type A and Type B day counts.Source

Fees

Renting without registering, or other violations$500 civil penalty

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.