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Burlington

Vermont · United States
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-07-30  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-24  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Burlington Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — Annual STR Registration
Tax Rate9% VT Rooms Tax + 3% state surcharge + 9% Burlington Gross Receipts Tax (21% total)
Night / Day CapNone (must be host's primary residence if rented for 15+ days/year)
Permit Fee$110 per unit registration fee
PenaltiesFines up to $500 per day for unregistered operations
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Occupancy Limit2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
Browse all 5 STR regulations in Vermont → Browse all 535 STR regulations in United States →

Burlington Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Burlington Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Burlington, Vermont are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Annual STR Registration. The associated permit fees are $110 per unit registration fee.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Burlington

Short-term rental operators in Burlington should be aware of these tax obligations: 9% VT Rooms Tax + 3% state surcharge + 9% Burlington Gross Receipts Tax (21% total).

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Burlington

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Burlington include: Primary residence requirement: Yes. Rental day cap: None (must be host's primary residence if rented for 15+ days/year). Occupancy limit: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Burlington

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Burlington: Allowed only in primary residences or on the same lot. Off-site rentals are prohibited with exceptions for seasonal homes.. Insurance: Yes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Burlington

Hosts who fail to comply with Burlington's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to $500 per day for unregistered operations.

Platform Obligations in Burlington

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Burlington: Yes (Tax collection and registration sharing).

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — Annual STR Registration
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
$110 per unit registration fee
Primary Residence Rule
Yes
Night / Day Cap
None (must be host's primary residence if rented for 15+ days/year)
Occupancy Limit
2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
Tax Rate
9% VT Rooms Tax + 3% state surcharge + 9% Burlington Gross Receipts Tax (21% total)
Zoning Restrictions
Allowed only in primary residences or on the same lot. Off-site rentals are prohibited with exceptions for seasonal homes.
Insurance Required
Yes
Platform Obligations
Yes (Tax collection and registration sharing)
Compliance Notes
Hosts must register annually by April 1 through the Viewpoint Cloud portal and pay gross receipts tax on all revenue. Whole-unit rentals are subject to safety inspections.
Effective Date
Active
Key Notes
Primary residence required; 21% combined rooms/meals/sales tax rate.
Penalties
Fines up to $500 per day for unregistered operations
Additional Context
Burlington's strict rules protect student and local housing from commercial conversion.
Sources
https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/435/Housing-Division
Burlington Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 and Housing Division 2025
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Burlington?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Burlington but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Hosts must register annually by April 1 through the Viewpoint Cloud portal and pay gross receipts tax on all revenue. Whole-unit rentals are subject to safety inspections.

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Burlington?

Yes. Burlington requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Annual STR Registration.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Burlington?

Short-term rental hosts in Burlington are subject to the following tax obligations: 9% VT Rooms Tax + 3% state surcharge + 9% Burlington Gross Receipts Tax (21% total).

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Burlington?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Burlington may face enforcement. Fines up to $500 per day for unregistered operations.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Burlington?

Primary residence required; 21% combined rooms/meals/sales tax rate.

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