Newport News Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Newport News, Virginia?

Newport News, Virginia, has specific regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), which include Airbnb and VRBO properties. These rules are often found in a zoning code, planning code, Newport News ordinances, or real estate Virginia forums like Bigger Pockets or Reddit. In this article, we will discuss the regulations, licensing requirements, taxes, and enforcement in Newport News.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Newport News

If you're thinking about starting a short-term rental business in Newport News, there are a few things you need to know. First, you must ensure that your property meets the requirements, such as being owner-occupied and having a business license2. You will also need to register your property with the City Clerk's Office2.

Once you have done this, you can obtain a business license and pay transient occupancy taxes3.It's important to note that Newport News has specific regulations for short-term rentals, which include licensing requirements, taxes, and zoning restrictions. The rental space must be part of the property owner's primary residence, meaning they must live there at least 185 days a year4.

Additionally, Newport News charges a tax on the gross proceeds of any business engaged in short-term rentals5.Before starting your short-term rental business, it's essential to research and understand the specific rules for your location. Virginia has state-wide regulations for short-term rentals, which may vary from city to city. It's also important to note that Newport News has been criticized for its strict regulations on short-term rentals, which some argue have eliminated 80% to 90% of the rentals5.

However, the city council has emphasized the need to strike a balance between allowing short-term rentals and maintaining a vibrant, affordable, and year-round community2.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Newport News

Newport News requires short-term rental owners to have a business license before operating14. The regulations also stipulate that the rental space must be part of the property owner's primary residence, meaning they must live there at least 185 days a year4. Here are some additional requirements for short-term rental licensing in Newport News:

• Any property used for short-term rentals must be registered with the City Clerk1.
• Operators must provide parking5.
• Operators cannot rent out their home to more than one group at a time5.
• No more than six people can stay in a rental at a time5.
• Rentals cannot be used for meetings or parties5.
• The home must meet health and building codes5.
• Operators must get a business license and pay transient occupancy taxes5.

To apply for a short-term rental license in Newport News, you must submit the following documents2:

• Proof of ownership
• Emergency contact information
• Property address
• Total number of units in the building
• Number of rental units
• Property owner's name and signature
• Staff approval signature

It is important to note that property owners who do not comply with the city's regulations will not be eligible to receive a license, which means they will not be able to legally operate a short-term rental4.

Required Documents for Newport News Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental in Newport News, you must provide the following documents:

• Proof of ownership: This can include a deed, mortgage statement, or other legal document showing that you own the property1.
• Business license: You must obtain a business license to operate a short-term rental in Newport News2.
• Transient occupancy tax payment: This tax is charged on the gross proceeds of any business engaged in short-term rentals2.
• Proof of primary residence: The rental space must be part of the property owner's primary residence, meaning they must live there at least 185 days a year4.
• Emergency contact information: This includes the host's name, address, and phone number1.
• Short-term rental permit: This permit is required for short-term rentals in Newport News1.
• Owner's Affidavit: This document confirms that the property owner is aware of the application for a short-term rental and will maintain the property in accordance with the city's regulations1.
• Fire protection systems: If your property is rented to more than 5 individuals on a short-term basis, you may be required to install fire protection systems before your transient guest house can be approved5.

Please note that these requirements may change, and it is essential to stay updated on the latest regulations.

Newport News Short Term Rental Taxes

In Newport News, Virginia, specific regulations govern short-term rentals (STRs), including properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. To operate an STR, individuals must adhere to the city's zoning code, planning code, and ordinances, as well as state-wide rules. The process of starting an STR business in Newport News involves several key steps, such as ensuring the property meets occupancy and licensing requirements, registering with the City Clerk's Office, and obtaining a business license while complying with transient occupancy tax obligations12.

The city's regulations mandate that STR owners obtain a business license and pay transient occupancy taxes. Additionally, the rental space must be part of the property owner's primary residence, with the owner residing there for a minimum of 185 days per year. Furthermore, the property must meet health and building codes, and the number of overnight guests is limited to six23.

Newport News imposes a tax on the gross proceeds of any business engaged in the short-term rental business. This tax is equivalent to one percent of the gross proceeds and is charged instead of the business personal property tax that would otherwise be due5.

While the city has faced criticism for its stringent regulations, with some arguing that they have significantly reduced the number of available rentals, the local government has emphasized the importance of balancing the allowance of STRs with the maintenance of a vibrant, affordable, and year-round community3.

In conclusion, Newport News has established clear guidelines for operating short-term rentals, encompassing licensing, taxation, and zoning restrictions. While some property owners have expressed discontent with the regulations, the city council has underscored the necessity of striking a balance between facilitating short-term rentals and preserving the community's overall well-being.

Virginia wide Short Term Rental Rules

Virginia has state-wide regulations for short-term rentals, which may vary from city to city. It is essential to research and understand the specific rules for your location. Some key points to consider include:

• Short-Term Rental Tax: Virginia municipalities charge a tax on the gross proceeds of any business engaged in short-term rentals1. The tax is charged instead of the business personal property tax that would otherwise be due1.
• Primary Residence Requirement: In some areas, short-term rentals must be located at the host's primary residence in all residential-zoned districts3. This requirement helps maintain a balance between allowing short-term rentals and preserving the character of residential neighborhoods.
• Limited Transient Visitors: Some municipalities have implemented regulations to limit the number of transient visitors in residential areas, such as requiring a permit for smaller units like in-law suites or carriage houses3.
• Registry Creation: Virginia law requires the creation of a registry for short-term rental properties4. This registry helps ensure that short-term rental owners comply with local regulations and maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for guests.
• Merchants' Capital Classification: Short-term rental properties are classified as a separate category of merchants' capital for local tax purposes5. This classification helps municipalities better understand the economic impact of short-term rentals and allocate resources accordingly.

In conclusion, Virginia has state-wide regulations for short-term rentals, which may vary from city to city. It is essential to research and understand the specific rules for your location to ensure compliance and maintain a balance between allowing short-term rentals and preserving the character of residential neighborhoods.

Does Newport News Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Newport News has been criticized for its strict regulations on short-term rentals, which some argue have eliminated 80% to 90% of the rentals5. However, the city council has emphasized the need to strike a balance between allowing short-term rentals and maintaining a vibrant, affordable, and year-round community2.

The regulations require short-term rental owners to have a business license before operating2. The rental space must be part of the property owner's primary residence, meaning they must live there at least 185 days a year4. The renter has to stay within the main residence and cannot be rented out to more than one group at a time3. No more than six people can stay in a rental at a time, and operators must provide parking3.

Some property owners have expressed concerns about the strict regulations, which they believe have negatively impacted their businesses5. However, others argue that the regulations are necessary to maintain a balanced community2.

In conclusion, Newport News has strict regulations for short-term rentals, which include licensing requirements, taxes, and zoning restrictions. While some hosts have expressed concerns about the strict regulations, the city council has emphasized the need to strike a balance between allowing short-term rentals and maintaining a vibrant, affordable, and year-round community.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Newport News?

To start a short-term rental business in Newport News, Virginia, you need to adhere to specific regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. Here's a straightforward list of steps to guide you through the process:

• Ensure Property Compliance: Verify that your property meets the requirements, such as being owner-occupied and having a business license2.
• Register with the City Clerk's Office: Complete the registration process with the City Clerk's Office to formalize your short-term rental property2.
• Obtain a Business License: Acquire a business license from the commissioner of the revenue before commencing operations5.
• Pay Transient Occupancy Taxes: As a short-term rental operator, you are required to pay transient occupancy taxes on the gross proceeds of your business4.
• Submit Required Documents: Prepare and submit the necessary documents, including proof of ownership, emergency contact information, and the short-term rental application form3.
• Comply with Zoning Regulations: Ensure that your property complies with the zoning regulations and limitations, such as the maximum number of guests allowed and parking provisions12.

By following these steps and ensuring full compliance with the regulations, you can establish and operate a short-term rental business in Newport News, Virginia.

Who to contact in Newport News about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Contact the Newport News Commissioner of Revenue Office at (757) 926-8761 or email comrev@nnva.gov for information on business licenses, taxes, and regulations for short term rentals.

What do Airbnb hosts in Newport News on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

While specific discussions about Newport News regulations were not found on Reddit or BiggerPockets, hosts in other Virginia cities have expressed concerns about restrictions only allowing primary residences4. Overall, Virginia is seen as moderately regulated compared to other states4.Some hosts in Newport News have shared their experiences with the regulations:

• Jay Pruden, who has owned rental properties in Newport News for more than 30 years, decided to try short-term rentals in a room above his detached garage. Since joining Airbnb, he has rented out the room about 220 days each year and made about $11,0002. However, he is concerned that the new regulations may eliminate his service, as he would no longer be able to operate legally2.
• Greg, another host, has been operating a short-term rental in Newport News for several years. He has had no complaints from customers or neighbors and maintains a 4.95 rating out of 52. However, he is also concerned about the new regulations, which he believes may force him to shut down his business2.

In conclusion, while specific discussions about Newport News regulations were not found on Reddit or BiggerPockets, hosts in other Virginia cities have expressed concerns about restrictions only allowing primary residences4. The new regulations in Newport News may impact hosts like Jay Pruden and Greg, who have been operating short-term rentals in the city2.