| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — Short-Term Rental Permit from the City of Charleston. Conditional use permit may be required in some zones. |
| Tax Rate | WV state sales tax 6% + local hotel occupancy tax 6% = 12% |
| Permit Fee | Permit fee (contact city for current fee) |
| Penalties | Permit revocation; fines for non-compliance |
| Primary Residence Required | Depends on zoning district |
| Occupancy Limit | Per safety inspection |
Short-term rental operations in Charleston, West Virginia are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — Short-Term Rental Permit from the City of Charleston. Conditional use permit may be required in some zones.. The associated permit fees are Permit fee (contact city for current fee).
Short-term rental operators in Charleston should be aware of these tax obligations: WV state sales tax 6% + local hotel occupancy tax 6% = 12%.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Charleston include: Primary residence requirement: Depends on zoning district. Occupancy limit: Per safety inspection.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Charleston: Rental property registration required annually (July 1 – June 30 cycle). Safety inspection required.. Density rules: None specified.
Hosts who fail to comply with Charleston's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Permit revocation; fines for non-compliance.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Charleston: WV 6% state sales tax + 6% local hotel occupancy tax.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Charleston with proper registration and permits. Annual registration cycle July 1 – June 30. Safety inspection required. Some zones require conditional use permit.
Yes. Charleston requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — Short-Term Rental Permit from the City of Charleston. Conditional use permit may be required in some zones..
Short-term rental hosts in Charleston are subject to the following tax obligations: WV state sales tax 6% + local hotel occupancy tax 6% = 12%.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Charleston may face enforcement. Permit revocation; fines for non-compliance.
12% combined tax burden (6% state + 6% local). Annual registration required. West Virginia capital city.
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