Arlington County i Virginia

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your county. As a platform and marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to give you some useful links that may help you better understand laws and regulations in Arlington County. This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, contact the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development or other county agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

Zoning ordinance

The Arlington County Zoning Ordinance regulates uses in Arlington neighborhoods and communities. You should consult the Zoning Ordinance to see if your listing is consistent with any zoning requirements or use definitions. Important terms include bed and breakfast; dwelling; accessory dwelling; dwelling unit; guest; guest house; guest room; hotel; hotel unit; rooming house; and tourist home.

Building code

Arlington enforces rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety. Certain rules and regulations applicable to residential and non-residential uses may be relevant to your listing. Please review the 2018 Virginia State Building Code or contact the Department of Community Planning, Housing & Development directly.

Short-term rental registration

Arlington requires all owners or operators of a short-term rental business to register with the County for both an Accessory Homestay Permit and a business license. You can apply for the required permits here, and find out more about local regulations here. You can also review Chapter 64 of the Arlington County Code for more information about the registration process.   

Taxes

Guests who book Airbnb listings that are located in the State of Virginia will pay the following taxes as part of their reservation:

• Sales Tax: 5.30 - 7.00% of the listing price including any cleaning and guest fees for reservations 89 nights and shorter. For detailed information, please visit the Virginia Sales Tax website.
• Local Lodging Taxes: All locally imposed transient lodging taxes will be collected on reservations in Virginia. It is typically a percentage of the listing price including any cleaning fees and guest fees. The tax rates and exemptions vary by city and county. For detailed information, please visit your local finance department website.
• For more information, visit the Arlington, VA Commissioner of Revenue page.

Other rules

It's also important to understand and follow other contracts or rules, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

We are committed to working with local officials to help them understand how Airbnb benefits our community. Where needed, we will continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.