Raleigh Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Raleigh, North Carolina?

The short term rental regulations in Raleigh, North Carolina, require hosts to obtain a zoning permit annually to operate legally. These regulations define short term rentals as dwelling units used for overnight lodging accommodations for no more than 30 days, for compensation. Short term rentals are permitted as a Limited Use in specific zoning districts, and hosts must comply with fire, building, and housing codes.

The zoning permit application process involves providing detailed information about the property, including owner and property details, short term rental information, a signed owner's affidavit, and a floor plan for multi-unit dwellings.

Hosts are also required to maintain accurate guest records for three years and comply with local and state tax laws, including collecting and remitting applicable taxes. The city of Raleigh strictly enforces these regulations to ensure the safety and compliance of short term rental properties1235.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Raleigh

To start a short term rental business in Raleigh, you need to comply with the city's regulations and obtain a zoning permit annually. The permit application requires detailed information about the rental property, including owner and property information, short term rental information, and a signed owner's affidavit.

Additionally, you must provide a floor plan for multi-unit dwellings and pay a permit fee of $194 after the completion of the initial application review.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Raleigh

In Raleigh, hosts are required to obtain a zoning permit annually to operate a short term rental legally. Special events are forbidden at rentals in residential zones, and compliance with fire, building, and housing codes is mandatory.

The zoning permit must be displayed on the property, and hosts must provide a local contact person or agent for the property, who can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The contact person or agent must be a resident of Wake County and must have access to the property to address any issues or concerns that arise.

Required Documents for Raleigh Short Term Rentals

To operate a short term rental in Raleigh, you must maintain accurate records of guests for a period of three years and comply with local and state tax laws, including those pertinent to safety codes, applicable taxes, and occupancy rules. The North Carolina vacation rental permits require hosts to proudly display their zoning permit number across all advertisements, ensuring transparency with tax compliance.

To operate a Raleigh short term rental property legally, you need to apply for a zoning permit from the City. This can be done online via the Permit and Development Portal2. Submitting a zoning permit application requires providing:

• Applicant information including name, address, phone number, and email address
• Property owner information including name, address, phone number, and email address
• Short term rental information including address, Property Identification Number, property type, and description. Short term rentals cannot exceed 25% or 2 short term rental units, whichever is greater, in any single multi-unit building.
• Signed owner’s affidavit
• Floor plan for multi-unit dwellings
• Permit fee of $194 after the completion of the initial application review

Zoning permits need to be renewed annually2. Once again, Raleigh vacation rental properties are subject to all applicable state and local laws securing safety and are responsible for collecting and remitting room occupancy and sales taxes2.

The required documents for Raleigh short term rentals include a completed application, signed owner’s affidavit, floor plan for multi-unit dwellings, and permit fee1. Multi-unit dwellings must provide a plan detailing the layout of the building, identifying all units, and label units designated for short-term rental1.

For any multi-unit building, no more than 25%, or two dwelling units, whichever is greater, may be used for short-term rental in any single building1.

To ensure compliance with local regulations, hosts should be aware of the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act, which provides a set of rules for the rental of residential properties, including the rights and obligations of both landlords and tenants3. In North Carolina, including Raleigh, a license is not required to offer a property as a short-term rental, but regulations and permits pertaining to short-term rentals must be followed as per local governance3. Compliance with tax laws is also necessary3.

In summary, Raleigh short term rental regulations require hosts to obtain a zoning permit annually, comply with local housing codes, provide parking as required, and ensure their rental does not operate as a hotel or bed-and-breakfast establishment3.

Hosts must maintain accurate records of guests and comply with local and state tax laws, including those pertinent to safety codes, applicable taxes, and occupancy rules3. The city has a dedicated team of inspectors who enforce the rules and regulations, and hosts who violate the rules can face fines, suspension, or revocation of their permit3.

Raleigh Short Term Rental Taxes

Short term rental hosts in Raleigh are required to collect Sales Tax and Room Occupancy Tax from their guests. The state-imposed sales tax is 4.75%, and the additional local rate can range from 2%. Regardless of the platform, hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting applicable taxes.

The Room Occupancy Tax is collected by the City of Raleigh and is used to fund tourism-related projects and programs.

Raleigh-wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short term rentals in Raleigh are allowed as a limited use in zoning districts R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-10, RX, OX, NX, CX, and DX. In residential zoning districts, short term renters cannot use such properties to hold special events or gatherings. The maximum number of guests allowed in a short term rental is two per bedroom, and the minimum age of renters is 21 years old.

Does Raleigh strictly enforce STR rules?

Raleigh has put measures in place to ensure that short-term rentals are properly managed and conform to the set laws. The city has established a set of regulations governing short-term rentals, allowing them as a Limited Use in various zoning districts while maintaining the character and safety of residential areas. The city has a dedicated team of inspectors who enforce the rules and regulations, and hosts who violate the rules can face fines, suspension, or revocation of their permit.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Raleigh

• Understand Raleigh's short term rental regulations and guidelines.
• Determine if your property is located in an area zoned appropriately for short-term rental use.
• Complete a permit application packet, providing detailed information about the rental property.
• Obtain a zoning permit for your short-term rental.
• Comply with local housing codes, provide parking as required, and ensure your rental does not operate as a hotel or bed-and-breakfast establishment.
• Maintain accurate records of guests and comply with local and state tax laws.
• Adhere to the rules and regulations, including the prohibition of special events in residential zones.
• Ensure that your rental property complies with safety codes, including fire, building, and housing codes.
• Provide a local contact person or agent for the property who can be reached 24/7.
• Display your zoning permit number on all advertisements.

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

For inquiries about short term rental regulations and zoning in Raleigh, contact the Planning and Development Department at (919) 996-2500 or planning@raleighnc.gov.

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

Airbnb hosts in Raleigh have expressed concerns about local regulations on Reddit and Bigger Pockets, with some hosts finding the rules restrictive. However, many hosts continue to operate despite these concerns, suggesting that while the rules may be enforced, they are not necessarily a deterrent for all hosts.

The regulations in Raleigh require hosts to obtain zoning permits annually, forbid special events at rentals in residential zones, and mandate compliance with fire, building, and housing codes. These regulations aim to ensure the safety and compliance of short-term rental properties, with the city maintaining a dedicated team of inspectors to enforce the rules.

Hosts are also required to maintain accurate records of guests for a period of three years and comply with local and state tax laws, including those pertinent to safety codes, applicable taxes, and occupancy rules. The North Carolina vacation rental permits require hosts to proudly display their zoning permit number across all advertisements, ensuring transparency with tax compliance.

Despite these regulations, many Airbnb hosts in Raleigh continue to operate successfully within the established guidelines. Some hosts have expressed frustration with the strict regulations, while others have praised the city for maintaining the character and safety of residential areas.

To start a short-term rental business in Raleigh, hosts must understand the local laws and regulations, register their property with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department if it meets certain criteria, and obtain a business license. Hosts should also be prepared to collect and remit room occupancy and sales taxes on the rents they charge.