West Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
West Virginia imposes its 6% state sales tax and a 6% state hotel/motel tax on short-term lodging. New River Gorge, Snowshoe, Canaan Valley, and the Eastern Panhandle are growing STR markets.
State registration required
STR license
6% state sales tax + 6% hotel/motel tax (total 12%
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
West Virginia Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in West Virginia requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for WV short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local West Virginia Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in West 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: State registration required — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the West 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: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a West Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your West Virginia vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with WV 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 West 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, West 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 West 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 West Virginia under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
West Virginia Occupancy Taxes & Fees
West Virginia imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for WV vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 6% state sales tax + 6% hotel/motel tax (total 12%+) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in WV |
Sample West Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our West Virginia-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [West Virginia Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [West Virginia Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
West Virginia Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about West Virginia vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official West Virginia Resources
Use these official resources for West Virginia short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
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