Virginia city rules
Staunton, VA vacation rental rules and taxes
Staunton requires every short-term rental to register with the Commissioner of the Revenue within 30 days of listing, for $50 a year per property, renewed by March 1. Operating unregistered costs $500 per violation. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the city’s 6.7% lodging tax.
Checked against official sources November 7, 2026We read Staunton’s registry and tax chapters but not its zoning rules for short-term rentals. Confirm with the city before you list.
What to do
Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue
Within 30 days of offering the rental, register for a business license and the lodging tax and pay $50 for each property. Renew every year by March 1 with your name and each property’s address and parcel number.Source
Ask about zoning
Ask the city’s planning and zoning staff whether your district allows a short-term rental and whether you need a permit. Check your HOA rules too.
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. Staunton’s lodging tax is 6.7%. For direct bookings, report to the Commissioner of the Revenue by the 20th of each month and pay the Treasurer.Source
Sources
- Staunton City Code ch. 3.37 (Registration for short-term rental) · City of Staunton (Code Publishing)
- Staunton City Code ch. 3.35 (Transient occupancy tax) · City of Staunton (Code Publishing)
- Virginia Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
- Retail Sales and Use Tax · Virginia Tax
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 Spot something out of date?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.