Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Virginia imposes state sales tax on short-term lodging, and localities add transient occupancy taxes. Virginia Beach, Arlington, and Shenandoah Valley are major STR markets. Virginia has given localities broad authority to regulate STRs.
Varies by locality
STR license
State sales tax + local transient occupancy tax (t
Occupancy tax / TOT
Varies by locality
Maximum stay
VA code allows HOA regulation of STRs
HOA restrictions
Virginia Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Virginia requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for VA short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Virginia Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Virginia can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Varies by locality — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Virginia Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: VA code allows HOA regulation of STRs — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Virginia vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with VA requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Virginia property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Virginia occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Virginia House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Virginia under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Virginia Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Virginia imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for VA vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | State sales tax + local transient occupancy tax (total 9-13%) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in VA |
Sample Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Virginia-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF VIRGINIA
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Virginia Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Virginia Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Virginia vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Virginia Resources
Use these official resources for Virginia short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create your Virginia Vacation Rental Lease Agreement in under 5 minutes.
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