Short-Term Rental Regulations — North Carolina
Hosts in Raleigh must obtain a permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. The permit fee is $150, renewable Annual. Raleigh restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties only, meaning you must live in the home you are renting out. There is no annual day cap on rentals in Raleigh. An occupancy tax of 6% applies to all short-term rental income. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically.
Day Limit Notes
Whole-house rentals are highly restricted. Zoning permit required.
⚠ Tax Notes
6% Wake County Room Occupancy Tax plus State Sales Tax.
⚠ Prohibited Zones
Non-owner occupied whole-house rentals are mostly prohibited in residential zoning.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Raleigh?
Yes. Raleigh requires a permit to operate a short-term rental. The permit fee is $150 and must be renewed Annual. You must obtain this permit before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms.
What is the occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Raleigh?
Short-term rentals in Raleigh are subject to a 6% occupancy tax. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit this tax on behalf of hosts — you do not need to handle it separately. 6% Wake County Room Occupancy Tax plus State Sales Tax.
Can I rent out a property I don't live in as an Airbnb in Raleigh?
No. Raleigh restricts short-term rentals to owner-occupied properties. You must live in the home as your primary residence to list it as a short-term rental. Investment properties or second homes cannot be listed as STRs.
How many days per year can I rent my property in Raleigh?
Raleigh does not impose an annual day cap on short-term rentals. You can rent your property for as many days as you choose, subject to other local regulations. Whole-house rentals are highly restricted. Zoning permit required.
Does Airbnb collect occupancy taxes in Raleigh?
Yes. Airbnb and VRBO automatically collect and remit the 6% occupancy tax in Raleigh on behalf of hosts. You do not need to separately collect or remit this tax — it is handled at the platform level.
Are there any prohibited zones for short-term rentals in Raleigh?
Yes. Raleigh prohibits short-term rentals in certain areas: Non-owner occupied whole-house rentals are mostly prohibited in residential zoning.. Always verify your property's zoning status with the local planning department before listing.
Do I need to register my short-term rental in Raleigh?
Yes. Raleigh requires short-term rental hosts to register their property with the city. This is separate from any permit requirement and typically involves providing property information and contact details to the local authority.
Official Source
Raleigh City Government
Last verified: 2026-03-23 · Always confirm with your local government before listing.