LicensedRental

Virginia city rules

Suffolk, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Suffolk’s zoning has no short-term rental category; the nearest use is a bed and breakfast, where the owner lives on or next to the property. Ask the city for a written zoning determination before listing a whole home. Stays owe 6% sales tax plus the city’s lodging tax, reported at 8% plus $1 a night.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
Market
About 40 Airbnb listings
City rental rules
No short-term rental category
Bed and breakfasts are allowed in some districts and need a conditional use permit in others.Source
Taxes
6% sales + city lodging tax
Reported as 8% plus $1 a night; filed with the Commissioner of the Revenue.Source

We could not confirm Suffolk’s lodging tax rate on the city’s own pages. Confirm the rate with the Commissioner of the Revenue.

What to do

  1. Get a zoning determination

    Because Suffolk’s code doesn’t define short-term rentals, ask Zoning in writing how your rental would be classified. You need zoning clearance before the Commissioner of the Revenue will issue a business license.Source

  2. 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, register with the Suffolk Commissioner of the Revenue, which administers the city’s lodging tax, and file every month.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 Spot something out of date?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.