LicensedRental

Virginia city rules

Newport News, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Newport News allows short-term rentals only in a home the owner lives in at least 185 days a year (or in up to 10% of units in an apartment complex), with up to six guests. You need a yearly $150 zoning certificate, a scaled floor plan showing exits and alarms, an exit plan posted in each bedroom, and $300,000 in insurance. Stays owe 6% sales tax plus an 8% room tax and $1 a night.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
Market
About 100 Airbnb listings
Owner lives there
At least 185 days a year
In single-family and two-family homes. Not in a detached building.Source
Guests
Up to 6, 2 per bedroom
One booking per night.Source
Yearly permit
$150
A Certificate of Zoning Compliance, renewed every year.Source
Taxes
6% sales + 8% room tax + $1 a night

What to do

  1. Make sure you qualify

    The rental must be in the main house you live in at least 185 days a year. In an apartment or condo development, the owner of the development can rent whole units, up to 10% of them.Source

  2. Apply with a floor plan

    Apply through the city’s Citizen Self Service portal with proof of residence (driver’s license or voter card), the signed owner’s affidavit, proof of liability insurance ($300,000 minimum), and a detailed floor plan drawn to scale or dimensioned, showing doors, windows, fire extinguishers, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.Source

    Application and affidavit (PDF) →

  3. Get a business license

    Get a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue, and renew the zoning certificate every year.Source

  4. 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, pay the 8% transient room tax and the $1 per room per night flat tax to the Commissioner of the Revenue by the 20th of the next month.Source

Fees

Short-term rental permit (yearly)Non-refundable.$150

Source

Inspection checklist

What the inspector looks for, from City of Newport News, Virginia’s published checklist.

  • Fire extinguishers, smoke and CO detectors
  • Exit plan posted inside each bedroom doorShowing the path from the bedroom to the nearest exit.Source
  • BedroomsEach needs a closet, a window, and a door.Source
  • ParkingOne off-street space beyond what zoning already requires.Source

House rules for guests

Events
No commercial gatherings
No parties, weddings, banquets, or fundraisers for pay.Source
Guest log
Names, contact information, and dates
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.