Washington County, Virginia
Abingdon, VA vacation rental requirements
Abingdon allows short-term rentals only as “HomeStays” in the host’s own primary residence, registered with the town each year ($25). Rentals are capped at 90 days a year, and no more than 30 of them can be without the host present. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the town’s 7% lodging tax.
Checked against official sources November 7, 2026Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.
Three substantiated complaints in 12 months, unpaid lodging tax, or moving out of the home can end your registration.
These rules date from 2017. Ask the town whether they still apply as written before you buy a home to rent.
Your licensing checklist
In order: the state, the county, then the town.
Commonwealth of Virginia
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 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
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
Washington County, Virginia
Then your town or area
Towns set their own zoning, and some levy their own lodging tax. Pick your area.
Town of Abingdon
Register your HomeStay
Before you list, register with the town’s Planning/Zoning and Building office at 133 W. Main Street. Bring proof that the home is your primary residence and a business license application, and pay the $25 fee. Renew every year by March 1.Source
Meet the safety rules
Put smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in sleeping areas, along escape paths, and on every floor, including the basement, and give each sleeping area a second way out. You certify this and agree to a yearly town inspection.Source
Track your rental days
You can rent up to 90 days a year. Only 30 of them can be “Type B” days, when you aren’t home or rent more than two bedrooms. Your lodging tax returns must list both kinds.Source
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. Abingdon’s 7% lodging tax is collected and paid to the Town of Abingdon.Source
Fees
| Yearly HomeStay registration | $25 |
|---|---|
| Operating without registration | $250 first offense, $500 after |
Inspection checklist
What the inspector looks for, from Town of Abingdon’s published checklist.
House rules for guests
Sources
- Guidelines for sales tax on accommodations (P.D. 21-116) · Virginia Tax
- Short-term rental registries (Va. Code § 15.2-983) · Virginia General Assembly
- Town Code: HomeStay regulations · Town of Abingdon (eCode360)
- Tax Rates · Washington County, Virginia
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.