Newport News, Virginia’s Short-Term Rental Laws: What to Know in 2025

Knowing Newport News, Virginia's short-term rental laws is vital to operating a successful vacation rental in the Hampton Roads city. The city began enforcing their short-term rental and Airbnb regulations in August 2025, so it's crucial for owners and operators to bring their houses into compliance.

Operating a short-term rental (STR) property in Newport News, Virginia – or listing your home on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms – requires an understanding of Newport News' short-term rental regulations – and a Newport News short-term rental permit. Since 2022, Newport News has outlined rules to balance neighborhood livability with the economic benefits of short-term rentals, and now they’re ready to enforce them.

Here’s a guide to Newport News’ short-term rental laws and how to operate your vacation home compliantly. 

Short-Term Rentals in Newport News, VA

Before 2022, it was technically illegal to operate a short-term rental home in Newport News. In June of that year, the Virginia city developed guidelines for short-term rental operators designed to allow residents to legally operate vacation rentalswhile preserving the quality and character of Newport News’ neighborhoods.

While there were then no plans to proactively enforce the new short-term rental laws, Newport News has changed its tune. In May 2025, the Planning Department issued notices stating that the rules would be enforced starting August 1, 2025.

Now, the city has begun issuing citations to properties that aren't compliant with the new laws, giving operators 30 days to meet all STR requirements for Newport News.

What are Newport News, VA's Short-Term Rental Laws?

If you own or plan to start a short-term rental operation in Newport News, make sure your property complies with the city’s rules to avoid penalties.

These rules apply to single-family/two-family dwellings used as short-term rentals in Newport News, VA. Owners of multi-family developments interested in using them as short-term rentals should review Chapter 45.1.b of the 2022 ordinance.

1. Permit and Registration

• Only the property’s owner may be the operator of the short-term rental.

• All STR operators must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the city before listing their property. Operating without a permit constitutes a zoning violation and may result in enforcement actions.

• Properties must be registered with the City Clerk.

• Operators must have liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000.

• An annual Certificate of Zoning Compliance is required ($150 fee).

2. Primary Residence and Building Requirements

• The Newport News short-term rental must be part of the owner’s primary residence, with the owner living there at least 185 days per year.

• Detached structures (like guest houses) are not permitted for short-term rental use.

• All rented bedrooms must have a closet, a window, and a separating door.

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3. Occupancy Limits

• A maximum of 6 guests are allowed per rental.

• No more than 2 people allowed per bedroom.

• Only one group may rent the property at a time.

• Rentals cannot be used for commercial gatherings or large events.

4. Short-term Rental Safety Features

• Every bedroom must have an exit plan posted in it, indicating the placement of smoke detectors and extinguishers. 

• The rental must have up-to-code fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and CO detectors.

• Rental properties must meet all applicable health, building, and fire safety codes. The Fire Marshal reviews permit applications to ensure compliance.

• If the short-term rental has a swimming pool, it must follow all of Newport News’ pool regulations.

5. Parking and Neighborhood Impact

• Operators must provide off-street parking, typically one space per bedroom. (Contact the Zoning Division to confirm for your property.)

• Noise violations are prohibited.

• Local solid waste rules for trash and recycling must be followed.

6. Business Licensing, Records, and Taxes

• Operators must obtain a business license.

• Operators must maintain a guest log that can be inspected by the zoning administrator with due notice.

• They are required to pay transient occupancy taxes on rental income.

How Do I Start a Short-Term Rental in Newport News, VA?

If your property meets all of the Newport News short-term rental laws, you may be eligible to start operating it as a vacation rental in Virginia. Here’s a brief look at the steps of the process:

• Familiarize yourself with all of the city’s short-term rental regulations.

• Have your documents prepared (liability insurance, floor plan with bedrooms noted, proof that it’s your permanent residence).

• Apply for your Newport News Short-Term Rental Permit online.

• Make sure your property meets the zoning, safety, and occupancy requirements.

Violating the Newport News, VA Short-Term Rental Laws

The City of Newport News, VA has begun enforcing these short-term rental laws to protect both the neighborhoods and rental business owners. When managed well, short-term rentals have a positive impact on the local economy without disrupting the community.

If Newport News' short-term rental rules are violated, the Zoning Administration may revoke your certificate of zoning compliance, and you won’t be able to get a new one for two years.

The most common cases of revocation occur when:

• A property has 3 or more STR violations in one calendar year

• Failure to comply with rental laws

• Refusing to allow entry (with due notice) to a zoning administrator or designee or to cooperate with a City investigation

• Failure to pay real estate taxes, nuisance charges, utility fees, etc. 

If a property is found to be noncompliant with the vacation rental laws, the owner will receive a 30-day notice to make the required changes. After that, their short-term rental permit may be revoked.

FAQs

How many short-term rental laws does Newport News, VA have?

It depends on which minutia you consider a "law." CGP Real Estate broke down all of Newport New's short-term rental regulations into six categories:

• Permit and registration

• Primary residence and building requirements

• Occupancy limits

• Safety features

• Parking and neighborhood impact

• Licensing, records, and taxes

Do you need a permit to operate a short-term rental in Newport News?

Yes, you need a short-term rental permit to run a vacation rental in Newport News, Virginia. You also need a business license. Operating without these constitutes a zoning violation and may result in enforcement actions.

Do you need insurance to run a short-term rental in Newport News, VA?

Yes, short-term rental operators are required to have liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000.

Do I need to live in my short-term rental house in Newport News?

Newport News short-term rentals must be part of the owner’s primary residence, with the owner living there at least 185 days per year. They also cannot be detached structures, like garages or guest houses.

How many people can rent out an STR at once in Newport News?

In Newport News, Virginia the occupancy limits for vacation rentals are:

• A maximum of 6 guests per rental

• No more than 2 people per bedroom

• Only one group of renters at a time.

• No commercial gatherings or large events

What safety features are required by Newport News short-term rental laws?

Rental homes in Newport News must have a posted exit plan, working fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and CO detectors. The properties must be up to all health, building, fire, and pool safety codes.

What are the parking requirements for Newport News short-term rental properties?

Vacation rentals in Newport News must have off-street parking, typically one space per bedroom. (Contact the Zoning Division to confirm for your property.)

The Bottom Line

Newport News, VA’s short-term rental laws apply to all properties within the city renting rooms out for under 30 days at a time. If you own a vacation rental property or are thinking of starting one, make sure your property is compliant. Understanding these regulations protects your investment now and into the future.

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