A Guide to Asheville’s Short-Term Rental Rules

Asheville has been voted as the Best City in the World for Beer, one of the top 50 Best Places to Live, and the #1 Food Destination in the U.S. Each year, nearly 11 million people visit the Asheville area to enjoy all that it has to offer. Since Asheville is a very popular destination, many people that either live or travel to Asheville see this area as a great place to invest in real estate. But what exactly are the rules in Asheville for short- and long-term rentals?

What are the rules for short-term rentals in Asheville?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is based on our interpretation of information from the City of Asheville. Any official interpretations of the rules are the sole responsibility of the city. Check with the City of Asheville before making material decisions.

A short-term rental is a home, apartment, or even a room that is rented out for fewer than 30 days. A long-term rental is anything rented out for greater than 30 days. Asheville City Council voted to pass the homestay ordinance at the end of 2021 in order to balance the area’s tourism culture with its need for affordable housing. This ordinance establishes rules that govern short-term rentals. Homes in the City of Asheville may NOT be rented out for fewer than 30 days if the homeowner is not also living in the dwelling unit. Homeowners that do not follow the homestay ordinance rules could face fines of $500 per night!

Here is a flow chart to answer whether or not your home (or future home) is eligible for short-term rentals:

What can I do if my home is not eligible?

There are two options–you can either apply for conditional zoning, or you can rent your home out as a long-term rental–

  1. Apply for a homestay permit or conditional zoning: If you don’t plan to rent out your entire home, it may qualify as a “homestay”. Long-term residents must be present in the home as the same time as guests, who may rent up to two rooms (without a kitchen). You can apply for a homestay permit by contacting Asheville Development Services at 828-259-5846 or PAC@ashevillenc.gov. If you do not believe your home is eligible for a homestay permit, you can ask City Council for conditional zoning to allow STVR.
  2. Rent out your home as a long-term rental: Although your home may not be eligible for short-term rentals, you can most likely still rent it out! ‘Long-term rentals’ are considered rentals of greater than 30 days. Websites like FurnishedFinder.com can assist you with renting out your home for 30+ days.

Looking for help managing or maintaining your rental property?

Contact us at Asheville’s Dream Team by calling 828-771-2329, and we can connect you with short- and long-term property managers. We’re happy to help guide you through the buying and property management process.

Written by Katie Cassidy on February 21, 2023 . Posted in Uncategorized