Skip to content
SetbackIQ

Short-term rentals in Arlington County, VA

You need an annual accessory homestay permit and must live at the property at least 185 days a year. Up to six guests (or two per bedroom), and three in a detached accessory building.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Arlington County before you build.

The details

  • A business license from the Commissioner of Revenue is also required, and transient occupancy tax may apply.High confidence

Check a project at your address

SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.

What are you building?

Open the checker

Common questions

Can I rent my home or ADU by the night in Arlington County?
You need an annual accessory homestay permit and must live at the property at least 185 days a year. Up to six guests (or two per bedroom), and three in a detached accessory building.

Sources

  1. Arlington County, Short-term rentals, information for hosts (accessory homestay). Checked 2026-10-21
    [An Accessory Homestay Permit is] valid for one year and must be renewed annually... You must show that you live at the property at least 185 days per year... Up to six overnight guests per rental, or two per bedroom if that number is higher. Detached acces…

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.