Greensboro, North Carolina

Short-term rentals of 30 days or less are legal in Greensboro and require a zoning permit before operating. The permit costs a $200 non-refundable fee, is applied for online, and must be posted on the property and in every listing and advertisement. The permit does not require renewal once issued, but it is non-transferable. A new owner or operator must apply for a fresh $200 permit within 30 days of any change.

There are two permit types. A Homestay rents only part of the home’s bedrooms, and the host must use the property as a primary residence and be on site during the stay. A Whole-House rental covers the entire dwelling with a 2 night minimum stay and does not require owner occupancy or primary residence, which makes Greensboro workable for non-owner-occupied investment rentals.

Rentals are allowed only in residential dwelling units. Occupancy is capped at two adults per rented bedroom, and large publicly promoted events above twice the guest limit are prohibited. In buildings with multiple dwelling units, STRs may not exceed 25% of units, with a minimum of one unit. There is no stated annual night cap.

Lodging carries a combined 6% room occupancy tax (3% City of Greensboro and 3% Guilford County), in addition to state and local sales tax. Airbnb and VRBO generally collect and remit these automatically.

Enforcement is rated moderate and is driven by complaints and violations. The city may revoke a permit after two or more verified ordinance violations on the premises within 365 days, or if the owner or operator is charged with a criminal offense on the premises.

On February 18, 2025, City Council unanimously repealed the 750 foot separation requirement between STRs, after a NC Court of Appeals ruling struck down similar distance rules in Wilmington. The core ordinance took effect January 1, 2024.