Written by: Sanjin Hadziomerovic
North Carolina is one of the Southeast’s most popular states for short-term rental (STR) investing — offering a mix of bustling metros like Charlotte and Raleigh, scenic college towns like Boone, and year-round vacation destinations like Asheville and Banner Elk.
Whether you’re renting a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains or a modern apartment in Uptown Charlotte, understanding local regulations is essential. That’s because North Carolina does not impose statewide Airbnb laws — instead, each city (and in some cases, counties) has its own rules on zoning, licensing, taxes, and enforcement.
In this guide, we break down short-term rental laws in Raleigh, Charlotte, Boone, Asheville, and Banner Elk, using regulation data directly from GetChalet.com. If you’re operating or buying a short-term rental in North Carolina, this guide will help you stay compliant — and profitable — in 2024 and beyond.
Raleigh: Vacation Rental License Required
Raleigh allows short-term rentals, but you’ll need to obtain a Vacation Rental License through the city to operate legally. This applies to any rental of an entire dwelling unit for less than 30 consecutive days. Homestays (renting part of your primary residence) fall under a different category and have more lenient rules.
In addition to applying for the license, operators must:
- Verify that the unit is located in a zoning district that permits STRs
- Comply with building safety and fire codes
- Adhere to occupancy limits (typically two adults per bedroom)
- Follow local noise ordinances and trash regulations
Raleigh’s short-term rental rules are evolving, and enforcement has increased in recent years. The city is also collecting feedback from residents, which may lead to tighter restrictions. If you’re buying an Airbnb in Raleigh, be sure to confirm the zoning status and complete the full licensing process before listing.
Airbnb Rental Regulations Raleigh
Charlotte: Occupancy Taxes and Zoning Matter
Charlotte is a booming city with year-round demand from both business and leisure travelers. While short-term rentals are permitted, hosts are required to collect and remit occupancy taxes for any rental lasting fewer than 90 days.
As of 2024, the city’s STR regulations emphasize:
- Zoning compliance — STRs are allowed in many residential and mixed-use areas, but not all
- State and local occupancy tax collection — typically 7%–8%
- Safety code compliance, including smoke detectors and emergency egress
The city has not implemented a specific STR license yet, but that could change. Investors should watch for updates from the Charlotte City Council as STR growth continues to accelerate. In the meantime, it’s critical to stay on top of tax obligations and to avoid operating in restricted zones.
Airbnb Rental Regulations Charlotte
