13 New Regulations for Your Short-Term Rental in Virginia Beach

The new short-term rental law in Virginia Beach regulates how approved short-term & vacation rental homes operate.

Did you get a letter in the mail from the City of Virginia Beach about the new Virginia Beach Short-Term Rental Ordinance, saying that the grace period (through November 1, 2019) is almost over to bring your property into compliance?

The new ordinance and zoning administration registration process can be a lot to take in, so . (You can read of this new law on our blog). Here’s a full list of rules and changes that will apply to ALL active short-term rental (STR) properties as of next month:

1. 1. Parking Requirement: 1 parking space per bedroom required. On-street parking does not count.
2. 2. Occupancy: Total occupancy between 11 p.m. & 7 a.m. shall not exceed 3 persons per bedroom.
3. 3. Maximum Guests: No more than 100 guests at the property at a time, and anything over 50 requires a special events permit. Only three special events allowed per year.
4. 4. Responsible Party: Name & number of contact person who is available to address problems within 30 minutes. (Physical response not required).
5. 5. No Signage: Owners may only have 1 sign, attached to the property, no larger than 4 sq. ft. that identifies the property.
6. 6. Registration & Taxes: Must register with the Commissioner of Revenue and pay all applicable taxes.
7. 7. City Codes: A copy of city codes must be posted conspicuously in the property.
8. 8. Trash: Trash must be kept in automated (weekly pickup) refuse receptacles.
9. 9. Contract Limitation: No more than 2 contracts (rentals) within 7 consecutive days.
10. 10. Insurance: $1,000,000 (yes, 1 million) in liability insurance.
11. 11. Noise: No outdoor amplified sound between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.
12. 12. Safety Features: Interconnected smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, & CO2 detectors (where applicable) required.
13. 13. Accessory Structures: Shall not be used as STR.

If a property does not meet one or more of the above conditions, the owner may be required to obtain city approval to continue renting through a Check out to get started on preparing for this big short-term rental change.

Don’t wait to with the City of Virginia Beach and ensuring compliance - prompt applications and updates will save you lots of headache later on.

You’re not in this alone. Experts at are available to handle the entire process of bringing your property into compliance and getting it registered properly for you - to speak with our team today.