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Williamsburg short-term rental rules (2026)

Virginia · United States
Restricted
These rules apply inside Williamsburg city limits only. Properties outside them follow county or neighboring-town rules.
Rules last checked  ·  Region: US

Market overview

RESTRICTEDStays under 30 nights

Allowed, with material limits.

Williamsburg proactively regulated STRs before complaints arose, given its status as a major tourist destination.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

License
Required
Primary residence
Required
Night cap
104 nights a year
Fines
Up to $2,500

Work for Williamsburg? Claim this page to confirm or correct the rules.

ALLOWEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals.

Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

Not legal advice. The legal framework, notes and sources are in the full report.

Browse all 18 STR regulations in Virginia → Browse all 944 STR regulations in United States →

The full Williamsburg rules

17 rules on record for Williamsburg, 9 of them from government sources. Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: City of Williamsburg Planning and Codes Compliance (williamsburgva.gov, official), checked 6 Nov 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Williamsburg?

Yes, with material limits. Williamsburg proactively regulated STRs before complaints arose, given its status as a major tourist destination.

Do you need a permit for a short-term rental in Williamsburg?

Yes, a license or registration is required.

Is there a limit on rental nights in Williamsburg?

Yes: 104 nights a year.

What are the penalties in Williamsburg?

Fines of up to $2,500 are on record.

Can I rent for longer stays in Williamsburg?

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals. Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

When were the Williamsburg rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Williamsburg on 6 Nov 2026.

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