Virginia

Virginia

KEY DEFINITIONS

  • The definition for short-term rentals are defined at the local level. Generally, short-term rental is defined in most jurisdictions as any occupancy of a dwelling for a period of less than 30 days

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

  • Licenses for vacation rentals are regulated at the local level. Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction for the requirements in your area. 

TAX INFORMATION

  • Sales Tax: 5.30 - 7.00% of the listing price including any cleaning and guest fees for reservations 88 nights and shorter. For detailed information, please visit the Virginia Sales Tax website.
  • Local Transient Occupancy Tax: all locally imposed transient occupancy taxes will be collected on the listing price including any cleaning and guest fees for reservations in Virginia. The tax rate and long term stay exemption vary by city and county. The tax is typically 0-7%. For detailed information, please visit each city or county’s website.

FIRE & SAFETY

  • Check with your local jurisdiction for the latest fire and safety regulations. 

Connect with VRMA Members

LEGISLATIVE SESSION

  • The present state Constitution adopted by the citizens of Virginia, in 1970, provides that the Senate shall consist of 33 to 40 members and the House of Delegates shall consist of 90 to 100 members. All members of the General Assembly are elected by qualified voters within their respective Senate and House districts. 
  • The Senate of Virginia currently consists of 40 members. Each Senator is elected from a separate and distinct district for a term of four years. All Senators' terms begin and end at the same time. Every four years the Senate reorganizes after the general election in which are elected. A Senator represents approximately 200,000 citizens of the Commonwealth. 
  • The Virginia House of Delegates currently consists of 100 members. Each Delegate is elected from a separate and distinct district for a term of two years. All Delegates terms begin and end at the same time. Every two years, the House reorganizes after the general election in which they are elected.
  • Pursuant to the Constitution, the General Assembly convenes in annual Regular Session on the second Wednesday of January. In an even-numbered year, the legislature meets for 60 calendar days and in an odd-numbered year meets for 30 calendar days but is customarily extended to 46 calendar days. Occasionally, the legislature has to extend beyond their projected ending date.
  • Legislative tips and resources from the Virginia State Legislative:
  • Contact your Senator and Delegate.  
  • If you don't know who represents you in the Senate and House or Congress, you can find out by using Who's My Legislator. 
  • Tips on understanding of the process will help you effectively express your ideas.
  • Most matters coming before the legislature are well publicized before session. Using the Legislative Information System (LIS), you can track legislation and review committee agendas prior to a meeting. 
  • The meeting schedule can be found here. 
  • Meetings of the General Assembly are required by law to be open to the public. Citizen testimony in committee and subcommittee is encouraged. Committee and subcommittee chairmen may invite members of the audience to speak for or against proposed legislation. Citizens do not need to register in advance to speak before a committee or subcommittee. Public hearings may require advanced registration. For additional information on testifying before a legislative panel, please see a Tips for Testifying .
  • Lobbyists are individuals who receive compensation or are reimbursed for expenses for representing an organization, association or other group for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence legislative (or executive) action by means of oral or written communication. Lobbyists play an important role in the legislative process, by providing information on many issues. Virginia law requires lobbyists, with a few exceptions, to register with the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and file annual reports of their activities. For more information about lobbyist registration, reporting requirements and a searchable database of registered lobbyists by name, principal or disclosure reports, please go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website.

COURT CASES