Portsmouth Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

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

In Portsmouth, Virginia, specific regulations govern short-term rentals, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These regulations encompass the requirement to obtain a business license, adhere to local and state tax obligations, and comply with safety and health standards. The city's appeal to Airbnb hosts is bolstered by its year-round attractiveness to visitors, with a steady influx of tourists even outside the peak season. Portsmouth's location on the Elizabeth River, rich historical significance, and proximity to Norfolk and Virginia Beach make it an appealing destination for short-term rental hosts. The peak season for Airbnb stays in Portsmouth is during the summer months, from June to August, when tourists flock to the area to relish the warm weather, outdoor activities, and local events.

The City of Portsmouth enforces a maximum occupancy regulation of two persons per bedroom for short-term rentals. Additionally, the city has stringent penalties for violations of the short-term rental ordinance, and the revocation of a short-term rental permit is a possible consequence for repeated infractions. To ensure compliance with the regulations, the city has established a hotline and an online portal for reporting incidents related to short-term rental properties.

For those considering starting a short-term rental business in Portsmouth, it is essential to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and licensing requirements. This includes obtaining a business license, understanding and fulfilling the necessary documentation, and being mindful of the local tax obligations for short-term rental businesses in the city.

The appeal of Portsmouth as a destination for short-term rental hosts is further enhanced by its charming, walkable downtown, local events and festivals, and the opportunity it offers to experience the local culture. The most sought-after amenities in Portsmouth include outdoor spaces, proximity to local attractions such as the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the Virginia Sports access to waterfront activities, and the ability to accommodate large groups or families. Additionally, amenities such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and fully equipped kitchens are expected by most guests.

In summary, Portsmouth, Virginia, presents an attractive opportunity for individuals interested in starting a short-term rental business, with its specific regulations and the year-round appeal of the city to visitors. However, potential hosts should be diligent in understanding and adhering to the established regulations to ensure a compliant and successful venture.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Portsmouth

To start a short-term rental (STR) business in Portsmouth, Virginia, you must first obtain a Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration from the City of Portsmouth. This application requires details such as the start date of your business, business type (individual, partnership, corporation, or LLC), and the percentage of your rental that qualifies as a short-term rental (80% rental for 92 days or less)1. Additionally, the registration fee for each STR dwelling unit is $130, which includes the inspection fee. The premises are subject to inspection by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal once registered2.

The City of Portsmouth imposes a local tax on businesses primarily engaged in the short-term rental of tangible personal property. This tax applies if a minimum of 80% of gross rental receipts are from short-term rentals3. Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, § 58.1-3510, there is a tax of one percent on every person engaged in the short-term rental business4.

In terms of regulations, the City of Portsmouth has specific rules for STRs, which are outlined in the city's Code of Ordinances. These regulations cover various aspects of STR operations, including licensing, occupancy limits, and enforcement5.

To ensure compliance and a smooth start to your STR business in Portsmouth, it is essential to carefully review and adhere to the city's requirements and regulations. Additionally, seeking guidance from the City of Portsmouth's relevant departments, such as the Commissioner of the Revenue, can provide further clarity on the necessary steps and obligations for starting and operating a short-term rental business in the city.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Portsmouth

In Portsmouth, Virginia, individuals looking to engage in short-term rentals (STRs) must adhere to specific licensing requirements. According to the city's Code of Ordinances, a valid permit is mandatory for each dwelling approved for use as a short-term rental1. This means that any individual, whether an owner or a permanent resident, seeking to offer a property for short-term rental must obtain the necessary permit to operate legally.

Moreover, the registration process for an STR in Portsmouth involves a registration fee of $130 for each dwelling unit, which includes the inspection fee. The registration form is available online, and once registered, the premises are subject to inspection by the Building Official or a designated authority3. It's important to note that the registration is valid until December 31 of the same year, regardless of the registration date.

Additionally, the city's regulations stipulate that any property registered for short-term rental is subject to potential revocation of the permit if three or more violations of the ordinance occur within a twelve-month period. The revocation of a short-term rental permit may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Review3.

To further illustrate the process, the City of Portsmouth provides a "Short Term Rental Certificate of Registration" application, which includes details such as the start date of the business, the type of business, the percentage of rental that qualifies as short term, and other relevant information4.

In summary, individuals interested in operating an STR in Portsmouth, Virginia, must ensure compliance with the city's licensing requirements, including obtaining a valid permit for each approved dwelling and adhering to the registration and inspection processes. It is essential to familiarize oneself with the specific regulations and procedures to avoid potential penalties or permit revocation.

Required Documents for Portsmouth Short Term Rentals

To operate a short-term rental (STR) business in Portsmouth, Virginia, property owners must comply with specific regulations and licensing requirements. When applying for a short-term rental license, property owners are typically required to submit certain documents. These may include a copy of the current short-term rental agreement with the printed names of all renters, the owner's registration form with the city, and the owner's permit with the city. The City of Portsmouth requires a valid permit for each dwelling approved as a short-term rental3. Property owners must also obtain a business license to operate a short-term rental in the city1.

In addition, Portsmouth imposes a local tax on businesses primarily engaged in the short-term rental of tangible personal property. This tax applies if a minimum of 80% of gross rental receipts are from short-term rentals45. Property owners must collect and remit a 1% tax on all short-term rentals5.

To ensure compliance and quality standards in the short-term rental market, Portsmouth has established specific regulations for short-term rentals. These regulations are outlined in the city's Code of Ordinances and cover various aspects of short-term rental operations, including licensing, occupancy limits, and enforcement4. Property owners must comply with the City of Portsmouth short-term rental excise taxes as required by Chapter 183 of the Codified Ordinances3.

The enforcement of STR regulations in Portsmouth is taken seriously. Any zoning enforcement official of the city can issue a summons for violations of the ordinance. Violations and citations are heard and adjudicated by the Portsmouth Municipal Court. Penalties for violations are also specified, and the city may revoke a short-term rental permit for repeated violations3.

To start a short-term rental business in Portsmouth, property owners must research the specific regulations and licensing requirements for short-term rentals in the city. They must obtain a business license for the short-term rental property from the city and ensure that all required documents, such as the short-term rental agreement and owner's permit, are in order. Property owners must also familiarize themselves with the local tax obligations for short-term rental businesses in Portsmouth1.

For inquiries about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Portsmouth, property owners can contact the City of Portsmouth's Zoning Enforcement Division. They can provide information and guidance on the specific requirements and regulations for short-term rentals in the city1.

Portsmouth's enforcement of STR rules is robust, and the city has clear penalties for violations. It is important for hosts to comply with the regulations to avoid potential consequences. While specific Reddit and Bigger Pockets posts were not available in the search results, it is important for potential hosts to seek out and consider the experiences and opinions of local hosts when evaluating the impact of regulations on the short-term rental market in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Short Term Rental Taxes

When operating a short-term rental business in Portsmouth, Virginia, it's essential to understand the local tax implications. The city imposes a tax on businesses primarily engaged in the short-term rental of tangible personal property. If a minimum of 80% of gross rental receipts are for a period of 92 days or less, the business must be registered with the city and must collect and remit a 1% tax on all short-term rentals1. This tax applies to a wide range of short-term rental properties, and compliance with the tax regulations is a crucial aspect of running a legal and successful short-term rental business in Portsmouth.

For further details, the City of Portsmouth's official website provides information on the Short-Term Rental Tax, including the specific requirements and the process for registration and tax collection1. Additionally, the city's Code of Ordinances outlines the tax requirements for short-term rental hosts and provides comprehensive information on compliance and regulations related to short-term rental excise taxes2.

By ensuring compliance with the short-term rental tax regulations, property owners and hosts can operate their businesses in accordance with the law and contribute to the local tax base, supporting the city's infrastructure and services. It's important to stay informed about any updates or changes to the tax regulations to maintain compliance and avoid potential penalties.

By understanding and fulfilling the tax obligations associated with short-term rentals in Portsmouth, property owners and hosts can establish a solid foundation for their business operations and contribute to the responsible and sustainable growth of the local short-term rental market.

Portsmouth wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Portsmouth, Virginia, the regulations for short-term rentals are outlined in the city's Code of Ordinances. These rules cover various aspects of short-term rental operations, including licensing, occupancy limits, and enforcement. According to the city's Code of Ordinances, a valid permit is required for each dwelling approved as a short-term rental. The short-term rental host, who can be either an owner or a permanent occupant, is responsible for complying with the city's short-term rental excise taxes as required by Chapter 183 of the Codified Ordinances2.

Furthermore, the city has specific requirements for listing, advertising, or marketing a dwelling with five guestrooms or less for less than thirty days. This includes the necessity of registering, listing, or accompanying a valid permit number issued in accordance with the chapter and associated regulations. Additionally, hosting platforms that facilitate booking services for short-term rentals are also subject to record-keeping requirements to ensure compliance with the city's regulations2.

The City of Portsmouth's regulations aim to ensure that short-term rentals operate in a manner that is consistent with the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. These rules are designed to address concerns related to occupancy limits, parking, and the potential impact of short-term rentals on the peace and quiet enjoyment of residential neighborhoods3.

Does Portsmouth strictly enforce STR rules?” Is Portsmouth Airbnb friendly?

In Portsmouth, Virginia, the city strictly enforces short-term rental (STR) rules. The regulations are outlined in the city's Code of Ordinances and cover various aspects of STR operations, including licensing, occupancy limits, and enforcement. The City of Portsmouth requires a valid permit for each approved STR dwelling, and any zoning enforcement official can issue a summons for violations of the ordinance. Violations and citations are heard and adjudicated by the Portsmouth Municipal Court, with specified penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the city may revoke a short-term rental permit for repeated violations3.

Portsmouth's STR regulations are designed to ensure compliance and quality standards in the short-term rental market. While the city is an attractive destination for Airbnb hosts due to its location, rich history, and proximity to other popular areas, hosts should be aware of and adhere to the specific regulations. The city's enforcement of the rules is robust, and it is important for hosts to comply with the regulations to avoid potential consequences4.

For those considering starting an STR business in Portsmouth, it is essential to research the specific regulations and licensing requirements, obtain a business license, and ensure all required documents are in order. Hosts should also be prepared to comply with local tax obligations for STR businesses in the city2.

In case of any inquiries about STR regulations and zoning in Portsmouth, individuals can contact the City of Portsmouth's Zoning Enforcement Division for information and guidance on the specific requirements and regulations for short-term rentals in the city2.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Portsmouth

Starting a short-term rental business in Portsmouth, Virginia requires compliance with specific regulations and licensing requirements. Here are the steps to get started:

• Research the specific regulations and licensing requirements for short-term rentals in Portsmouth. The city has established rules for STRs, and it is important to understand and comply with them to operate legally. You can find information on the city's website, including the Code of Ordinances and zoning regulations.
• Obtain a business license for the short-term rental property from the city. A valid permit is required for each dwelling approved as a short-term rental. The permit must be obtained before offering the property for short-term rental.
• Ensure that all required documents, such as the short-term rental agreement and owner's permit, are in order. Property owners are typically required to submit certain documents when applying for a short-term rental license in Portsmouth.
• Familiarize yourself with the local tax obligations for short-term rental businesses in Portsmouth. The city imposes a local tax on businesses primarily engaged in the short-term rental of tangible personal property.
• Register the property with the Portsmouth Town Clerk before any tenant occupies the premises. The registration fee for each short-term rental dwelling unit is $130, which includes the inspection fee.
• Ensure that the property meets the maximum occupancy requirements and parking space requirements. The number of bedrooms in a home cannot exceed the number of bedrooms supported by the property's septic system.
• Maintain and provide records documenting the short-term rental physical address, the name of the person or entity who registered the short-term rental, and other relevant information.
• Be aware of the enforcement, penalties, and revocation of short-term rental permits in Portsmouth. The city takes the enforcement of STR regulations seriously, and penalties for violations are specified.

If you have any questions or concerns about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Portsmouth, you can contact the City of Portsmouth's Zoning Enforcement Division. They can provide information and guidance on the specific requirements and regulations for short-term rentals in the city.

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

If you are looking for information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Portsmouth, Virginia, there are several resources available to help you. The City of Portsmouth's Zoning Enforcement Division is a good place to start. They can provide information and guidance on the specific requirements and regulations for short-term rentals in the city. You can contact them by phone at 757-393-8531 or by email at zoning@portsmouthva.gov.

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

Airbnb hosts in Portsmouth, Virginia, have varying opinions about the local regulations. Some hosts have expressed concerns about the strict enforcement of the regulations, while others appreciate the city's efforts to ensure compliance and quality standards in the short-term rental market. A Reddit post1 from New Hampshire discusses the zoning law trouble for Airbnb hosts in Portsmouth. Another Reddit post2 from CasualUK discusses the general trend of Airbnb becoming a worse option due to regulations. However, a blog post3 from Awning, a vacation rental management company, highlights the benefits of professional management for Airbnb hosts in Portsmouth.

Despite the regulations, many hosts continue to operate in Portsmouth. The city's location on the Elizabeth River, its rich history, and its proximity to Norfolk and Virginia Beach make it an attractive destination for Airbnb guests. The peak season for Airbnb stays in Portsmouth is during the summer months of June to August, but there is still a steady stream of visitors throughout the year.