Alexandria Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

These rules are often found in a zoning code, planning code, Alexandria ordinances, or real estate Virginia forums like Bigger Pockets or Reddit.

Alexandria allows short term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO, but there are some regulations hosts need to follow.

The city requires all short term rental operators to register with the city and pay transient lodging taxes on bookings12.There is no separate short term rental license required in Alexandria. However, you must register your rental and obtain a business license if you earn over $10,000 per year13.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Alexandria

Starting a short-term rental business in Alexandria, Virginia, requires operators to complete the short-term residential registration process. This process involves applying for classification as a short-term rental business and paying a retail merchant's license tax within 30 days of beginning2. Operators must also provide a short-term rental inventory list with the application and collect and remit taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria if they do not use accommodation intermediaries1.

The City of Alexandria Code Section 3-2-152 requires the operator of each short-term residential rental property to complete the online registry1. A BPOL license is only required if specific conditions are met2. Short-term rental properties do not require zoning or permitting approvals solely on that basis, but any normal zoning or permitting provisions (e.g., maximum occupancy, construction permits) would still apply1.

The state of Virginia has implemented new regulations, including the requirement for all short-term rentals to register with the city of Alexandria5. The City of Alexandria strictly enforces STR rules, and the regulations are generally considered friendly to Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms3.

Hosts operate in Alexandria despite the rules, and the city is now requiring all short-term rentals to register5.To start a short-term rental business in Alexandria, operators must complete the following steps:

• Complete the short-term residential registration.
• Apply for classification as a short-term rental business and pay the retail merchant's license tax.
• Provide a short-term rental inventory list with the application.
• If not using accommodation intermediaries, collect and remit taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Alexandria

If you're considering starting a short-term rental (STR) business in Alexandria, Virginia, it's essential to be aware of the licensing requirements. The City of Alexandria mandates that the operator of each short-term residential rental property must complete the online registry1.

While short-term rental properties do not require specific zoning or permitting approvals solely on that basis, normal zoning or permitting provisions, such as maximum occupancy and construction permits, still apply1.

Additionally, a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) is only required if specific conditions are met2.Furthermore, if you do not utilize accommodation intermediaries to collect room charges, fees, and taxes on your behalf, you are obligated to collect and remit the taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria2. This includes completing the Transient Lodging Tax Return and submitting it to the city2. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties and, in the case of repeated violations, the prohibition of rental of applicable properties1.

In summary, to operate a short-term rental business in Alexandria, it is crucial to complete the online registry, adhere to zoning and permitting provisions, and fulfill tax obligations, including the potential requirement for a BPOL license and the collection and remittance of taxes.

Required Documents for Alexandria Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) property in Alexandria, Virginia, you must adhere to specific regulations and provide the necessary documentation.

The City of Alexandria mandates the completion of the short-term residential registration for all operators of STR properties3. Additionally, new businesses must apply for classification as a short-term rental business and submit a short-term rental inventory list with the application1.

If the operator does not utilize accommodation intermediaries to collect room charges, fees, and taxes on their behalf, they are required to collect and remit taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria4.

The required documents for Alexandria short-term rentals include the following:

• Short-Term Residential Registration: All operators of STR properties must complete the online registry, reporting each platform used to advertise the property3.
• Classification Application: New businesses must apply for classification as a short-term rental business. This application is essential for initiating the legal operation of an STR property in Alexandria1.
• Short-Term Rental Inventory List: Operators are obligated to provide a detailed inventory list of their short-term rental property as part of the application process1.
• Transient Lodging Tax Return: If the operator does not use accommodation intermediaries to collect room charges, fees, and taxes, they must complete and submit the Transient Lodging Tax Return to the City of Alexandria on a monthly basis4.

These documents and requirements are essential for ensuring compliance with the local regulations governing short-term rentals in Alexandria, Virginia. By adhering to these guidelines, operators can legally and responsibly manage their STR properties within the city.

Alexandria Short Term Rental Taxes

In Alexandria, Virginia, short-term rental properties are subject to various taxes. The tax rate is one percent of gross receipts from the rental of short-term rental property, excluding heavy equipment. For heavy equipment, the tax rate is 1.5 percent of gross receipts.

Additionally, regional and local Transient Lodging Taxes of 9.5% plus $1.25 per room per night must be collected from the renter and remitted by the operator3.Operators who do not utilize accommodation intermediaries to collect room charges, fees, and taxes on their behalf are required to collect and remit the taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria. This includes completing the Transient Lodging Tax Return and submitting it to the city3.

The tax payments and returns for short-term daily rentals may be mailed to the Revenue Administration Division Department of Finance City of Alexandria. Payments may also be submitted online or in person at the Treasury Division1.

It's important to note that the City of Alexandria strictly enforces STR rules, and the regulations are generally considered friendly to Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms. Hosts operate in Alexandria despite the rules, and the city is now requiring all short-term rentals to register5.

Virginia wide Short Term Rental Rules

Virginia municipalities have recently drafted or passed ordinances to regulate short-term rentals, including Airbnb and Vrbo listings, due to concerns over parking issues, noise complaints, trash, and septic tank use volume12. Supervisors have also cited concern over loss of hospitality tax revenue, as well as limiting available housing inventory1.

Approximately 30 localities throughout the U.S. have regulated short-term rentals, according to a Business Insider report1. Most Virginia short-term rentals are found in more populous areas and tourist destinations2.In Virginia, the short-term rental must be on the lot of the operator's primary residence with the operator occupying the lot at least 185 days each year3.

The governing body of any county, city, or town may levy a tax in an amount not to exceed one percent, in addition to the tax levied pursuant to § 58.1-6055.Overall, Virginia municipalities are cracking down on short-term rentals, and the regulations are becoming more stringent.

The state is following a nationwide trend of regulating short-term rentals, and the regulations are aimed at creating a "convenient, attractive, and harmonious community" by limiting the number of transient visitors in residential neighborhoods2.

Does Alexandria strictly enforce STR rules?

The City of Alexandria in Virginia allows the use of short-term rentals, but it strictly enforces the rules and regulations that govern them. Hosts must complete the short-term residential registration and provide a short-term rental inventory list with the application.

They must also collect and remit taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria if they do not use accommodation intermediaries. The city requires all short-term rentals to register, and repeated violations may result in the prohibition on rental of applicable properties23.Despite the strict enforcement of STR rules, Alexandria is considered to be friendly to Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms. Hosts operate in Alexandria despite the rules, and the city is exploring a voluntary agreement with Airbnb whereby Airbnb would collect the Transient Lodging Taxes23.

To start a short-term rental business in Alexandria, operators must complete the short-term residential registration, apply for classification as a short-term rental business, and pay the retail merchant's license tax. They must also collect and remit taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria if they do not use accommodation intermediaries12.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Alexandria?

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in Alexandria, Virginia, you must adhere to specific regulations and requirements. The City of Alexandria allows the use of short-term rentals, and the operator of each short-term residential rental property must complete the short-term residential registration1.

Here are the steps to get started:

• Complete the Short-Term Residential Registration: The first step is to complete the short-term residential registration, which is a mandatory requirement for all short-term rental properties in Alexandria1.
• Apply for Classification and Pay Taxes: New businesses must apply for classification as a short-term rental business and pay a retail merchant's license tax within 30 days of commencing operations4.
• Provide Required Documents: Operators are required to provide a short-term rental inventory list with the application1. Additionally, if not using accommodation intermediaries, they must collect and remit taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria3.
• Stay Informed About Regulations: It's essential to stay informed about the latest regulations and requirements, as the information may change due to the constant updates in the short-term rental regulations in each market2.

In conclusion, starting a short-term rental business in Alexandria, Virginia, requires compliance with the city's regulations, licensing, and tax requirements. By following these steps and staying informed about the latest regulations, you can establish and operate a short-term rental business in accordance with the local laws.

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

For questions on short term rental rules and zoning in Alexandria, contact:Revenue Administration Division
703-746-3902
revenue@alexandriava.gov

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

Airbnb hosts in Alexandria, Virginia, generally have a positive opinion about the local regulations. The city allows the use of short-term rentals, and hosts must complete the short-term residential registration3. The city's regulations are considered friendly to Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms1.

Some key points about Alexandria's short-term rental regulations include:

• Registration: Hosts must complete the short-term residential registration to operate a short-term rental in Alexandria3.
• Taxes: Short-term rental properties are subject to various taxes, and operators are required to collect and remit taxes on a monthly basis directly to the City of Alexandria if they do not use accommodation intermediaries2.
• Enforcement: The City of Alexandria strictly enforces short-term rental rules, and hosts generally operate within the regulatory framework1.

Hosts on platforms like Bigger Pockets and Reddit find the local regulations in Alexandria to be favorable for short-term rentals, with the city allowing the use of such properties and providing helpful insights and links to local regulations3.

Overall, the city's regulations are considered to be friendly to Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms, and hosts generally operate within the regulatory framework1.