Overview

Beginning January 1, 2018, every short-term residential rental property must be registered with the Department of Finance within 30 days of the property being offered for rental. This is an annual registration for each property offered for short-term residential rental.

These properties are typically offered for rental through online platforms (such as Airbnb, Expedia, Flipkey, HomeAway, TripAdvisor, VRBO, Dwellable, couchsurfing, and craigslist).

Pursuant to Section 3-2-152, Code of the City of Alexandria, short-term residential rental is defined as the provision of a room or space by an operator that is suitable or intended for occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes, for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days, in exchange for a charge for the occupancy. 

Failure to register a property within 30 days of being offered for short-term residential rental shall result in a penalty in the amount of $500, and may result in rental restrictions.
 

Registry Exemptions

The following operators are not required to register, if such person is:

• Licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Real Estate Board, or is a property owner who is represented by a real estate licensee
• Registered pursuant to the Virginia Real Estate Time-Share Act (§ 55-360 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia
• Licensed or registered with the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health, related to the provision of room or space for lodging, or
• Licensed or registered with the City, related to the rental or management of real property, including licensed real estate professionals, hotels, motels, campgrounds, and bed and breakfast establishments.