When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it's important for you to understand the laws in your city. As a platform and marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide some useful links that may help you better understand laws and regulations in Charlotte. This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, contact the Planning, Design & Development Department or other city agencies directly, visit the city website, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.
Residential rental property registration
TheCharlotte-Mecklenburg Police Departmentmaintains a freeregistry for both short- and long-term rentals located in Charlotte city limits. Registration is mandatory for owners of properties that meet certain “disorder risk” thresholds and voluntary for all others. Find out more about the registration of residential rental property.
Hosts with listings in Charlotte are encouraged to register, as the service allows owners, as well as property managers, to be contacted regarding incidents that may be attributed to the registered property and to receive email alerts regarding trainings and other safety initiatives.
Building and housing standards
Charlotte enforces rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety. Certain rules and regulations applicable to residential and non-residential uses may be relevant to your listing. Please review Chapters 5 and 12 of the Charlotte Code of Ordinances and the Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement website for more information.
Room occupancy tax and sales tax
The County of Mecklenburg assesses room occupancy taxes on rents charged for accommodations in hotels, motels, corporate housing, and similar places such as private homes for less than 90 days. In addition, the State of North Carolina assesses sales tax on the gross receipts received from such rentals. Airbnb collects and remits the Mecklenburg room occupancy tax and the North Carolina sales tax in Charlotte. Find out more about this process.
Other contracts and rules
It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.
Our commitment to your community
We're committed to working with local officials to help them understand how Airbnb benefits our community. Where needed, we'll continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.
