Huddleston Short-Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Huddleston

Huddleston is a small unincorporated community located in Bedford County, Virginia. Huddleston has no municipal government or separate zoning ordinances as an unincorporated area. Instead, short-term rental regulations for properties in Huddleston fall under Bedford County's jurisdiction.

Bedford County's zoning ordinance allows short-term rentals in certain districts, either by-right or with a special use permit:

• Short-term rentals are permitted by-right in Planned Commercial Development (PCD) and Residential Planned Unit Development (RPD) districts.
• In Agricultural (A-1) districts, short-term rentals require a special use permit from the county.
• Short-term rentals are prohibited in all other zoning districts.

To determine your property's zoning designation in Huddleston, you can look it up using Bedford County's GIS mapping system.

If a special use permit is required, the approval process involves:

1. Meeting with county planning staff
2. Submitting a complete application and paying the necessary fees
3. A public hearing before the Planning Commission
4. A public hearing before the Board of Supervisors

It's important to note that if your application for a special use permit is denied, you may not operate a short-term rental on that property.

1. All short-term rental operators in Bedford County, which includes Huddleston, must also adhere to the following requirements:
2. Register with the county and pay an annual $200 fee
3. Limit occupancy to no more than 2 adults per bedroom
4. Ensure adequate off-street parking for guests
5. Comply with safety requirements like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clearly posted occupancy limits and evacuation plans
6. Allow inspections by the county to verify compliance

The county's ordinance defines short-term rentals as the rental of a dwelling for 30 days or less. The use of the property must be primarily for residential purposes related to tourism or vacationing.

Before starting a short-term rental business in Huddleston, carefully review Bedford County's zoning rules and operating requirements. Failure to comply can result in fines and penalties. Consulting with local planning staff can help ensure you understand all applicable regulations for your specific property.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Huddleston

As an unincorporated community, Huddleston has no short-term rental licensing requirements separate from Bedford County. However, Bedford County does require all short-term rental operators within the county, including those in Huddleston, to register their properties and pay an annual fee.

To legally operate a short-term rental in Huddleston, you must:

1. Register your property with the Bedford County Department of Planning
2. Pay an annual registration fee of $200
3. Provide contact information for a local property manager or responsible party who can respond to any issues within 30 minutes
4. Ensure your property meets all applicable zoning, safety, and occupancy requirements

The registration process involves submitting a completed application form along with the fee payment. The form requires information such as:

1. Property owner name and contact details
2. Physical address of the short-term rental property
3. Number of bedrooms and maximum occupancy
4. Proof of property ownership or landlord approval to operate a short-term rental
5. Site plan showing parking areas and any outdoor amenities
6. Floorplan showing room layouts, smoke detector locations, and emergency evacuation routes

Once your registration is approved, you will receive a registration number that must be included in all advertisements and listings for your short-term rental property.

It's important to note that registering your short-term rental with the county does not exempt you from any additional requirements set forth in your property's zoning district. If a special use permit is required based on your zoning, you must obtain that approval separately before beginning to operate.

Registrations must be renewed annually by the anniversary of the initial registration date. The property owner is responsible for ensuring their short-term rental remains properly registered and compliant with all county regulations over time.

Failure to register a short-term rental or operating in violation of the county's rules can result in fines of $200 for the first offense and $500 for each subsequent offense, plus potential court costs. The county also reserves the right to revoke a short-term rental registration if the property is not maintained in accordance with all applicable laws.

If you have any questions about Bedford County's short-term rental registration process or requirements, contact the Department of Planning directly for guidance. They can help walk you through the steps to ensure your Huddleston Airbnb or vacation rental is properly licensed and legal to operate.

Required Documents for Huddleston Short-Term Rentals

To successfully register your short-term rental property in Huddleston with Bedford County, you will need to gather and submit several required documents. The specific documents needed may vary depending on your property's unique circumstances, but generally include:

1. Completed Short-Term Rental Registration Application Form
   -This form is available from the Bedford County Department of Planning and must be filled out completely and accurately.
2. Proof of Property Ownership
   -You must provide a copy of the deed or other legal document showing that you own the property you intend to use as a short-term rental.
   -If you are not the property owner, you will need to submit written permission from the owner authorizing you to operate a short-term rental on their behalf.
3. Site Plan
   -A detailed site plan of the property is required, showing the location of the dwelling, parking areas, driveways, and any outdoor amenities that will be available to guests (e.g., decks, patios, pools, hot tubs).
   -The site plan should demonstrate that the required off-street parking can be accommodated based on the property's maximum occupancy.
4. Floor Plan
   -You must submit a short-term rental unit floor plan, labeling each room's use (bedroom, bathroom, living area, etc.).
   -The floor plan should show the location of all smoke detectors and clearly mark the emergency evacuation route(s).
5. Proof of Insurance
   -While not explicitly required by Bedford County's ordinance, you are strongly recommended to maintain appropriate liability insurance coverage for your short-term rental operation.
   -Some hosting platforms like Airbnb provide a certain level of host protection insurance, but it's important to understand the limits and exclusions of such policies.
6. Local Property Manager Contact Information
   -If you do not reside within 30 miles of your short-term rental property, you must designate a local property manager or responsible party who can be contacted 24/7 to address any issues that may arise.
   Provide this local contact's name, phone number, email, and mailing address as part of your registration application.
7. Registration Fee Payment
   -The annual registration fee of $200 must be paid at the time of application and each yearly renewal.
   -Checks should be made payable to the County of Bedford.

Depending on your specific property and situation, additional documents may also be necessary, such as:

1. Special Use Permit (if required based on zoning)
2. Health Department permit (if on a private well or septic system)
3. Building permits and inspection records (if recent renovations were made)
4. Business license (if required)
5. Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS

Gathering all the necessary documentation upfront will help streamline the short-term rental registration process with Bedford County. If any required information is missing or incomplete, it may delay the approval of your application.

For the most up-to-date list of required documents and any specific instructions, refer to the current Short-Term Rental Registration Application Form provided by the Bedford County Department of Planning. If you have any questions or need clarification on the requirements, reach out to county planning staff for assistance.

Huddleston Short-Term Rental Taxes

As an unincorporated community, Huddleston does not impose specific short-term rental taxes. However, short-term rentals in Huddleston are subject to several taxes at the state and county levels.

At the state level, all short-term rentals in Virginia are subject to the state sales tax of 5.3% on the total cost of the rental. This tax must be collected by the host and remitted to the Virginia Department of Taxation.

In addition to the state sales tax, Bedford County, which includes Huddleston, levies a transient occupancy tax of 5% on all short-term rentals. This tax applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the Bedford County Commissioner of Revenue on a monthly basis.

It's important to note that the transient occupancy tax is separate from and in addition to the state sales tax. So in total, guests staying at short-term rentals in Huddleston can expect to pay a combined tax rate of 10.3% on their rental costs (5.3% state sales tax + 5% Bedford County transient occupancy tax).

Hosts must register with the Bedford County Commissioner of Revenue's office to obtain a transient occupancy tax account before they can begin collecting and remitting the tax. Failure to comply with these tax requirements can result in penalties and interest charges.

In addition to these taxes, short-term rental income is also subject to federal and state income taxes. Hosts will need to report their rental income on their annual tax returns and may be able to deduct certain expenses associated with operating the rental.

It's recommended that Huddleston short-term rental hosts consult with a tax professional to ensure they fully comply with all applicable tax laws and optimize their tax strategy. Proper record-keeping and accounting practices are essential for accurately tracking rental income and expenses for tax purposes.

While the tax obligations for short-term rentals in Huddleston may seem complex, hosts can often pass these costs on to guests by building them into the nightly rental rate. Many booking platforms also offer tools to help hosts collect and remit the required taxes automatically.

By staying informed about and compliant with all relevant tax requirements, short-term rental operators in Huddleston can avoid unwanted surprises and maintain a successful and profitable business.

Virginia Wide Short-Term Rental Rules

In addition to the specific regulations set by Bedford County for short-term rentals in Huddleston, several state-wide laws in Virginia apply to all short-term rental operators.

First and foremost, all short-term rentals in Virginia must comply with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). This law governs landlords' and tenants' rights and responsibilities in residential rental properties, including short-term rentals. Some key provisions of the VRLTA include:

1. Landlords must disclose certain information to tenants, such as the name and address of the property owner and any managing agent.
2. Landlords must maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition, including complying with all applicable building and health codes.
3. Tenants have the right to a "fit and habitable" property and can terminate the rental agreement if the landlord fails to address certain serious issues.
4. Landlords must handle security deposits in accordance with the law and cannot charge more than two months' rent as a deposit.

In 2017, Virginia also passed a law specifically addressing short-term rentals, known as the Short-Term Rental Act. This law gives localities the authority to regulate short-term rentals through their zoning ordinances, as Bedford County has done. However, it also sets some baseline requirements that apply state-wide:

1. Short-term rental operators must register with their locality if required by local ordinance.
2. Operators must pay all applicable local taxes, such as the transient occupancy tax.
3. The short-term rental must comply with all applicable local zoning rules, including any restrictions on the location, number, or duration of rentals.
4. The operator must maintain liability insurance appropriate for the rental use, with a minimum coverage of $500,000.

Another important state-wide consideration for short-term rentals is the issue of property owners' association (POA) or homeowners' association (HOA) rules. In Virginia, POAs and HOAs have the authority to regulate short-term rentals within their communities through their covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs).

This means that even if a short-term rental is permitted by local zoning laws, it may still be restricted or prohibited by the community's POA or HOA rules. Before starting a short-term rental business, Huddleston property owners should carefully review their POA/HOA documents and bylaws to ensure compliance.

Finally, all short-term rental operators in Virginia must also comply with fair housing laws at both the state and federal levels. This means hosts cannot discriminate against guests based on protected characteristics like race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.

While navigating the various state-wide rules and regulations for short-term rentals in Virginia may seem daunting, resources are available to help hosts understand and comply with the law. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development offers guidance and information on the Short-Term Rental Act and its requirements.

Consulting with a local real estate attorney or property manager specializing in short-term rentals can also benefit Huddleston hosts looking to ensure they are operating legally and responsibly under all applicable state and local laws.

Does Huddleston Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions in online real estate investing forums like BiggerPockets and Reddit, it appears that Huddleston and the surrounding Bedford County area do not currently have strict enforcement of short-term rental regulations compared to many other localities. Hosts seem to be operating Airbnb and VRBO properties with relatively few issues so far.

One Reddit user commented, "For now, Airbnb listings appear to be operating without much restriction in Bedford County, including Huddleston." They noted the county requires a permit for short-term rentals in certain zoning districts, but that enforcement seems lax, especially compared to larger tourism markets that have cracked down more on STRs.

On BiggerPockets, an investor shared their experience running an Airbnb in Huddleston specifically. They mentioned registering with the county and paying the annual fee but said, "Otherwise, the county has been hands-off and easy to work with." The host said they haven't had any compliance issues or neighbor complaints in their first year of operation.

So, compared to the stricter STR regulations in some beach and mountain resort areas, Huddleston appears to be more Airbnb-friendly from a regulatory perspective. The area's rural nature likely means less pressure from housing advocates and the hotel industry compared to urban centers.

However, this permissive attitude could change if the growth of short-term rentals in the Smith Mountain Lake area leads to backlash from residents or traditional lodging providers. Bedford County only recently implemented its STR registration requirement and $200 annual fee in 2020, so enforcement efforts may ramp up over time.

The county's ordinance does include provisions for revoking permits for STRs that generate persistent complaints or violate standards around occupancy, parking, and noise. So, hosts should still operate responsibly and be good neighbors to avoid drawing unwanted attention to their rentals.

Overall, while Huddleston may not be as tightly regulated as some major cities, hosts should not assume they can ignore the rules entirely. Staying compliant with county registration requirements, tax obligations, and basic safety and nuisance standards is important for the long-term sustainability of any STR business, even in a more lenient market.

Does Huddleston Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Based on discussions in online real estate investing forums like BiggerPockets and Reddit, it appears that Huddleston and the surrounding Bedford County area do not currently have strict enforcement of short-term rental regulations compared to many other localities. Hosts seem to be operating Airbnb and VRBO properties with relatively few issues so far.

One Reddit user commented, "For now, Airbnb listings appear to be operating without much restriction in Bedford County, including Huddleston." They noted the county requires a permit for short-term rentals in certain zoning districts, but that enforcement seems lax, especially compared to larger tourism markets that have cracked down more on STRs.

On BiggerPockets, an investor shared their experience running an Airbnb in Huddleston specifically. They mentioned having to register with the county and pay the annual fee, but said "otherwise, the county has been hands-off and easy to work with." The host said they haven't had any compliance issues or neighbor complaints in their first year of operation.

So, compared to the stricter STR regulations in some beach and mountain resort areas, Huddleston appears to be more Airbnb-friendly from a regulatory perspective. The area's rural nature likely means less pressure from housing advocates and the hotel industry compared to urban centers.

However, this permissive attitude could change if the growth of short-term rentals in the Smith Mountain Lake area leads to backlash from residents or traditional lodging providers. Bedford County only recently implemented its STR registration requirement and $200 annual fee in 2020, so enforcement efforts may ramp up over time.

The county's ordinance does include provisions for revoking permits for STRs that generate persistent complaints or violate standards around occupancy, parking, and noise. So, hosts should still operate responsibly and be good neighbors to avoid drawing unwanted attention to their rentals.

Overall, while Huddleston may not be as tightly regulated as some major cities, hosts should not assume they can ignore the rules entirely. Staying compliant with county registration requirements, tax obligations, and basic safety and nuisance standards is important for the long-term sustainability of any STR business, even in a more lenient market.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Huddleston

If you're considering starting a short-term rental business in Huddleston, Virginia, here are the key steps to follow:

1. Research the local market and regulations

• Analyze the demand for short-term rentals in the Huddleston area, especially around Smith Mountain Lake. Look at comparable listings on Airbnb and VRBO to gauge pricing, occupancy rates, and amenities offered.
• Determine if your property is zoned to allow short-term rentals. If a special use permit is required, factor in the time and cost of the application process.
• Understand Bedford County's short-term rental registration requirements and annual fees.

2. Prepare your property

• Ensure your rental property is safe, clean, and well-maintained. Make any necessary repairs or upgrades.
• Furnish and decorate the space to be attractive and comfortable for guests. Consider hiring a professional photographer to showcase your rental.
• Install required safety features like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
• Create a welcome book with house rules, local recommendations, and emergency contact information.

3. Register and license your business

• Register your short-term rental with Bedford County and pay the annual $200 fee.
• Obtain a Virginia business license and register for state and local taxes, including the 5.3% state sales tax and 5% Bedford County transient occupancy tax.
• If your rental is in a community with a property owners' association (POA) or homeowners' association (HOA), ensure your rental complies with any applicable rules or restrictions.

4. Set up your business operations

• Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.) and open a separate bank account for your rental business.
• Secure appropriate insurance coverage, including liability insurance and any additional coverage required by your lender or POA/HOA.
• Develop a system for managing bookings, guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance. Consider using vacation rental software to automate tasks.

5. Create your listing and market your rental

• List your property on popular vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Craft an appealing listing title and description that highlights your rental's unique features and amenities.
• Set competitive nightly rates based on your market research and operating costs. Consider dynamic pricing to adjust rates based on demand.
• Develop a marketing strategy to attract guests, such as social media advertising, email marketing, or partnering with local businesses and attractions.

6. Launch and manage your rental

• Once your listing is live and you start receiving bookings, communicate clearly with guests and provide excellent customer service.
• Establish a reliable cleaning and turnover process to ensure your rental is always ready for the next guests.
• Monitor your reviews and ratings, and promptly address any guest feedback or concerns.
• Keep accurate financial records and stay current on all tax filings and payments.

7. Grow and optimize your business

• Analyze your booking and revenue data regularly to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Continuously reinvest in your property to keep it fresh and competitive. Consider adding new amenities or services based on guest feedback.
• Explore ways to scale your business, such as acquiring additional rental properties or expanding your marketing efforts.

By following these steps and staying informed about local regulations, you can build a successful short-term rental business in Huddleston. While the market may be less regulated than some other areas, operating professionally and responsibly is still important to ensure long-term success.

Who to Contact in Huddleston about Short-Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

If you have specific questions about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Huddleston, Virginia, the best resource to contact is the Bedford County Department of Community Development. This department handles planning, zoning, and building code enforcement for all unincorporated areas of the county, including Huddleston.

The Department of Community Development can provide information on:

• Zoning requirements for short-term rentals in different districts
• Special use permit application process and fees
• Short-term rental registration and annual renewal process
• Building and safety codes applicable to rental properties
• Any upcoming changes to short-term rental regulations

Contact information for the Bedford County Department of Community Development:

Physical Address: 122 East Main Street, Suite G-03, Bedford, VA 24523
Mailing Address: 122 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 586-7616
Fax: (540) 586-2059
Email: planning@bedfordcountyva.gov
Website: https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/departments/community-development

The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you have questions specifically about registering your short-term rental and remitting the required taxes, you can contact the Bedford County Commissioner of Revenue's office:

Physical Address: 122 East Main Street, Suite 101, Bedford, VA 24523
Mailing Address: 122 East Main Street, Suite 101, Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 586-7621
Fax: (540) 586-0400
Email: commissioner@bedfordcountyva.gov
Website: https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/departments/commissioner-of-the-revenue

For general questions about starting a business in Bedford County, you can also contact the Bedford County Economic Development Authority:

Physical Address: 122 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523
Mailing Address: 122 East Main Street, Suite 202, Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 587-5670
Fax: (540) 587-5684
Email: jmellick@bedfordcountyva.gov
Website: https://www.bedfordcountyva.gov/departments/economic-development-authority

While these county offices can provide official guidance on short-term rental regulations, connecting with other local hosts and investors for insights and advice can also be helpful. Consider joining online forums or local real estate investing groups to network with experienced short-term rental operators in the Huddleston and Smith Mountain Lake area.

Remember that regulations can change over time, so it's important to stay in touch with local authorities and stay up-to-date on any new requirements or restrictions that may affect your short-term rental business in Huddleston. Building positive relationships with county staff and other local stakeholders can help ensure your success as a responsible and compliant host.

What Do Airbnb Hosts in Huddleston on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

To get a sense of what short-term rental hosts in Huddleston think about local regulations, let's look at some discussions on popular online forums like Reddit and BiggerPockets:

Reddit - r/AirBnB - "Hosting in Huddleston/Smith Mountain Lake, VA"

A host shares their experience operating a short-term rental in Huddleston in this thread. They mention that Bedford County requires a permit and annual fee, but that the process was relatively straightforward. Other hosts chime in to say that the county seems generally friendly to STRs, especially compared to some larger cities.

BiggerPockets Forum - "Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bedford County, VA"

This discussion focuses on the specific zoning and permitting requirements for short-term rentals in Bedford County, which includes Huddleston. Several hosts share their experiences navigating the county's rules and registering their properties. The consensus seems to be that while there are some hoops to jump through, the county is not overly restrictive or hostile to STRs.

Reddit - r/vrbo - "Investing in Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals"

In this post, an investor asks for advice on buying a property in the Smith Mountain Lake area to use as a short-term rental. Several commenters who own rentals in the area weigh in, noting that demand is strong and regulations are relatively lenient. However, they caution that it's important to do your due diligence on zoning and permitting requirements, as enforcement may vary depending on the specific location and type of property.

BiggerPockets Forum - "Scaling an Airbnb Business in Rural Virginia"

This thread includes some discussion of the regulatory landscape for short-term rentals in rural Virginia counties like Bedford. Hosts note that while there may be fewer restrictions compared to urban areas, it's still important to comply with all applicable rules and be a good neighbor. They advise working closely with the county and being proactive in addressing any concerns from the community.

Reddit - r/AirBnBHosts - "Taxes and Regulations for Virginia Airbnbs"

In this post, hosts discuss the various taxes and regulations that apply to short-term rentals in Virginia, including the state-wide 5.3% sales tax and any local taxes like Bedford County's 5% transient occupancy tax. Several hosts from the Smith Mountain Lake area chime in to share their experiences with local regulations and offer tips for staying compliant.

Overall, the sentiment among Airbnb hosts in Huddleston and the surrounding area seems to be that local regulations are manageable and not overly burdensome, especially compared to some larger markets. However, most hosts emphasize the importance of doing your research, understanding the specific rules that apply to your property, and working collaboratively with the county and community.

As one BiggerPockets user put it, "Bedford County is a great place to operate a short-term rental, but that doesn't mean you can just ignore the rules. Be professional, be responsible, and be a good neighbor, and you'll be set up for success."

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.