Richmond, Virginia Short Term Rental Regulations
Navigate short-term rental regulations with ease! From coastal retreats to urban hubs, our in-depth guides break down the essentials for cities across the nation. Stay informed of changes to local Airbnb rules with our up-to-date insights and best practices.
Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Richmond Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating6.4
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Competition
6.3 -
Real Estate Cost
6.6 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
9.0 -
Rental Rates
3.8
Richmond, Virginia Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 226,610
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Richmond
- Airports
- Richmond International Airport (RIC)
- Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
Want to learn more about Richmond?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Richmond rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Richmond rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Richmond.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Richmond guests.
Interested in other Virginia cities?
Check out the Virginia Airbnb rules directory
What makes Richmond a great place to invest?
- Richmond's Historic Districts: Immerse yourself in the city's storied past by exploring iconic neighborhoods like Church Hill, Jackson Ward, and The Fan District. Marvel at stunning architecture, visit museums like The Valentine, and learn about the city's role in American history at sites like the American Civil War Museum and St. John's Church.
- The Thriving Arts Scene: Richmond's vibrant arts scene is an absolute must-see! From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to the edgy galleries in the Arts District, you'll find creativity and inspiration at every turn. Don't miss the Richmond Mural Project, a stunning collection of over 100 murals by local and international artists that breathe life into the city's urban landscape.
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU): As a leading public research university, VCU offers opportunities to attend workshops, art exhibits, and performances. The Institute for Contemporary Art, a cutting-edge institution located on campus, showcases thought-provoking exhibitions that are sure to leave you inspired.
- A Foodie's Paradise: Richmond's flourishing culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors! From classic Southern comfort food to innovative farm-to-table cuisine, you'll find plenty of mouthwatering options. Local favorites include Mama J's, Lemaire, and Longoven. And don't forget to sample the city's craft beer scene at breweries like Hardywood Park and The Veil Brewing Co.
- Outdoor Adventures: Discover the beauty of Richmond's natural surroundings through outdoor activities like kayaking or rafting down the James River, hiking in the lush Pocahontas State Park, or biking along the Virginia Capital Trail. The James River Park System offers a unique urban wilderness experience, complete with scenic overlooks and wildlife encounters.
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Wander through 50 acres of stunning gardens, conservatories, and outdoor exhibits at this breathtaking natural oasis. Seasonal highlights include the Orchid Show, the GardenFest of Lights, and the Butterflies LIVE! exhibit, making it a perfect year-round destination for the whole family.
Richmond Nearby Cities
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- Rating: 7.1
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- Rating: 6.6
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Richmond?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Richmond has increased 15% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $263, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$435,581
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Median per Square Foot
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$263
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,598
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Richmond, Virginia
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Richmond has a description approximately 1,198 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,302 listings in Richmond, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Richmond, Place, City, Historic, Walking, Block, Downtown, Comfortable, Beautiful, and Spacious.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Richmond?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Richmond involve going to the City Centre, Museums, Cycling, Antiquing, and Kayaking. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Museums
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Cycling
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Antiquing
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Kayaking
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Hiking
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Health Spa
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Adventure Activities
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Swimming
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Rafting
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Boating
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Wildlife Viewing
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Richmond, including Broad Street, Virginia Commonwealth University, Greater Richmond Convention Center, University of Richmond, and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Virginia Commonwealth University
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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University of Richmond
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Carytown
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Maymont Park
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Science Museum of Virginia
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Henrico Doctors' Hospital
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Broad Street
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Greater Richmond Convention Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Richmond Raceway
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Shockoe Slip
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Virginia State Capitol
Included on nearly all listings
What’s the weather like in Richmond, Virginia?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 69°, while the average low is about 49°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 37 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 14 inches per year. The humidity levels in Richmond are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
32° Low 50° High
Spring
March through May
48° Low 69° High
Summer
June through August
67° Low 86° High
Fall
September through November
50° Low 70° High
Cities Near Richmond
Richmond, Virginia, is located in Richmond County. Some cities that are located nearby include: