This guide covers Winston-Salem, North Carolina only. Neighboring markets often confused with Winston-Salem in STR regulation research include:
- Kernersville: Separate town in Forsyth County with its own STR rules and zoning.
- Clemmons: Village southwest of Winston-Salem, governed by its own ordinances.
- Lewisville: Distinct municipality in Forsyth County, not subject to Winston-Salem city code.
- High Point and Greensboro: Larger Triad cities with independent STR regulations and enforcement.
Legality Verdict
Short-term rentals are legal in Winston-Salem, NC, but operate under general business licensing and state/county tax rules. No city-specific STR ordinance or permit exists as of June 2026. Zoning and enforcement are complaint-driven.
- Legality Status: 3/5
- License Availability: 4/5
- Compliance Cost (% revenue): 5/5
- Regulatory Stability: 4/5
- Enforcement Climate: 5/5
TL;DR
Winston-Salem defines STRs under North Carolina’s Vacation Rental Act but does not require a city-specific STR permit or renewal fee. A general business license is required. The total effective lodging tax is 7% (state + local). No city occupancy cap, parking, or owner-occupancy rules are codified. The main investor risk is future zoning or licensing changes, as no state preemption exists. Biggest gotcha: All bookings outside Airbnb/VRBO require manual tax collection and remittance.
Quick Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| STR Definition | State-level: rental of residential property for less than 90 days Checkmate Rentals |
| Registration Required | No separate STR registration; general business license required CityApplications.com |
| Permit Cost | Not codified — no separate STR permit fee in city code Municode Library |
| Annual Renewal | Not codified — no separate STR renewal fee in city code Municode Library |
| State Sales Tax | 4.75% NC Department of Revenue |
| Local Sales Tax | 2.25% Avalara |
| County Occupancy Tax | [needs verification — call Forsyth County Tax Administration at (336) 703-2300] |
| City Accommodations Tax | Not codified — no separate city accommodations tax Forsyth County Tax Administration |
| Total Effective Lodging Tax | 7.0% (state + local sales tax; county occupancy tax may apply) Avalara |
| Business License Required | Yes, for home-based businesses CityApplications.com |
| License Cap | Not codified — no city cap on STR licenses Municode Library |
| Transferability | Not codified — no city rule on permit transfer Municode Library |
| Occupancy Cap | Not codified — no city rule Forsyth County Code |
| Parking Requirement | Not codified — no city rule Forsyth County Code |
| HOA/Condo Override | Not codified — no city rule Forsyth County Code |
| Inspection Requirement | Not codified — no city rule Forsyth County Code |
| Enforcement Penalties | Not codified — expedited eviction under state law UNC School of Government |
| Primary Regulator | City Revenue Division (business license); Forsyth County Tax Administration (taxes) |
| Last Updated | June 11, 2026 |
Regulatory Impact Snapshot
Underwriters should model compliance costs at 7.0% of gross revenue, with median Winston Salem, NC STRs earning $25,484 at an average daily rate of $152 and 46% occupancy. The primary cost driver is the combined state and local sales tax, as there is no city-specific STR permit or renewal fee. County occupancy tax may apply and should be verified directly with Forsyth County. The binding constraint is the absence of a city-level STR ordinance, which means future regulatory changes could materially impact operations. Run this market in our Airbnb Calculator →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Basics
What is considered a short-term rental in Winston-Salem?
A short-term rental is defined under North Carolina’s Vacation Rental Act as the rental of residential property for less than 90 days Checkmate Rentals.
Are short-term rentals legal in Winston-Salem?
Yes, STRs are legal and operate under general business licensing and state/county tax rules. There is no city-specific STR ordinance as of June 2026 Checkmate Rentals.
Does Winston-Salem have its own STR ordinance?
No, Winston-Salem does not have a separately codified STR ordinance; general business and zoning rules apply Municode Library.
Licensing
Is a permit required to operate an STR in Winston-Salem?
No separate STR permit is required, but a general business license is needed for home-based businesses CityApplications.com.
How do I apply for a business license?
Apply through the Revenue Division at Suite 121, 100 East First Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 CityApplications.com.
Is there an annual renewal fee for STRs?
No separate STR renewal fee is codified in city ordinances Municode Library.
Is there a cap on the number of STR licenses?
No, Winston-Salem does not codify a cap on STR licenses Municode Library.
Taxes
What taxes apply to STRs in Winston-Salem?
A 4.75% state sales tax and a 2.25% local sales tax apply, totaling 7%. County occupancy tax may also apply Avalara.
Does Airbnb collect and remit taxes for me?
Yes, Airbnb collects and remits both state and local occupancy taxes for stays under 90 nights Airbnb Help Center.
Do I need to register for tax collection if I only use Airbnb/VRBO?
No, if all bookings are through Airbnb or VRBO, you do not need to register or file lodging tax returns Avalara MyLodgeTax.
What if I take direct bookings?
You must register with the NC Department of Revenue and remit all applicable taxes for direct bookings NC Department of Revenue.
Operations
Are there occupancy or parking limits for STRs?
No, Winston-Salem does not codify occupancy or parking limits for STRs Forsyth County Code.
Are inspections required for STRs?
No city inspection or life-safety requirement is codified for STRs Forsyth County Code.
Can HOAs or condos prohibit STRs?
There is no city override; HOA or condo rules may apply independently Forsyth County Code.
Which zones allow STRs?
[needs verification — no primary source found]
Enforcement
How are STR rules enforced in Winston-Salem?
Enforcement is complaint-driven, primarily for noise and nuisance violations. Expedited eviction is available under state law for violations UNC School of Government.
Are there specific fines for STR violations?
No specific city fines are codified for STR violations; state law provides for expedited eviction UNC School of Government.
Has Winston-Salem recently changed its STR rules?
No recent city STR ordinance amendments are documented as of June 2026. [needs verification — no primary source found]
Permit Process
Winston-Salem does not require a separate short-term rental permit. Operators must obtain a general business license if running a home-based business, which can be requested from the Revenue Division at 100 East First Street. No city-specific STR application or renewal fee is codified CityApplications.com. North Carolina law preempts local registration under the building code but allows zoning-based regulation Ward and Smith.
Zoning
The Winston-Salem Zoning Board of Adjustment operates under the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and state statutes Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. Applications for variances or special use permits are handled at the City/County Inspections Division. No city code specifically designates permitted or prohibited zones for STRs; zoning questions should be confirmed with Planning and Development Services.
Taxes and Remittance
Short-term rentals are subject to a 4.75% state sales tax and a 2.25% local sales tax, totaling 7% Avalara. County occupancy tax may also apply; confirm with Forsyth County Tax Administration. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit all required taxes for platform bookings. For direct bookings, hosts must register with the NC Department of Revenue and remit taxes themselves NC Department of Revenue.
Enforcement and Recent Actions
Enforcement in Winston-Salem is complaint-driven, focusing on noise and nuisance issues. Residents can file complaints via city channels, which may trigger investigations. No city-specific STR fines are codified; expedited eviction is available under state law for violations of the rental agreement UNC School of Government.
Recent Changes and Pending Legislation
No new city STR ordinances or amendments have been documented as of June 2026. State-level bills to preempt local STR bans have not advanced, so local governments retain regulatory authority Minut. Investors should monitor for future zoning or licensing changes.
Comparable Markets
- Greensboro, NC — Consider if you want a larger Triad city with more defined STR rules.
- High Point, NC — Consider for furniture market-driven demand and distinct city code.
- Asheville, NC — Consider for a tourism-heavy market with stricter STR caps.
- Charlotte, NC — Consider for a major metro with evolving STR regulations.
Sources
- North Carolina Department of Revenue: https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/sales-and-use-tax/rentals-accommodations
- Forsyth County Tax Administration: https://forsyth.cc/tax/taxrates.aspx
- Forsyth County Board of Commissioners: https://forsyth.cc/commissioners/city_zoning.aspx
- Forsyth County Code of Ordinances: https://library.municode.com/nc/forsyth_county
- Municode Library (Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances): https://library.municode.com/nc/winston-salem/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIICOOR_CH10BURE_ARTIINGE_S10-2PEINEN
- CityApplications.com — Winston-Salem Business License Applications: http://www.cityapplications.com/business-licenses/NC-North-Carolina/biz-Winston-Salem.html
- UNC School of Government – On the Civil Side: https://civil.sog.unc.edu/from-the-mountains-to-the-sea-the-nc-vacation-rental-act-and-short-term-rentals/
- Checkmate Rentals – North Carolina Short-Term Rental Laws: https://www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/north-carolina-short-term-rental-laws
- Airbnb Help Center: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2320
- Avalara: https://www.avalara.com/taxrates/en/state-rates/north-carolina/cities/winston-salem.html
- Avalara MyLodgeTax: https://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/resources/vacation-rental-tax-guides/north-carolina.html
- Minut – North Carolina short-term rental regulations in 2026: https://www.minut.com/blog/north-carolina-short-term-rental-regulations
- Ward and Smith, P.A.: https://www.wardandsmith.com/article/short-term-rentals-regulations-not-always-a-day-at-the-beach-for-municipalities
This page is research, not legal advice. Consult local counsel before acquiring or operating a short-term rental in City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.
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