BondPermit · Short-term rental rules

Short-term rental rules in Charleston, SC

Compiled from the city's official pages — rules you must confirm before you list. Compiled July 2026; rules change, confirm each on the official site.

Charleston, SC · rules you must confirm

Registration & tax

Compiled from the city's official pages. Links go to the official site where available — confirm each before you list.

Registration / license
Short-Term Rental Permit / Business License
Issued by City of Charleston Permit Center · Fee varies (permit requires an annually-renewed City business license) — confirm current fee on the apply page
Lodging / occupancy tax
Accommodations Tax for Short-Term Rentals (state + county + city)
Charleston County Revenue Collections Division (local) / SC DOR (state) · Charleston City within Charleston County totals approx. 14% (incl. 2% state + 2% county + 2% city accommodations tax) — confirm current rate and which portion online marketplaces remit with Charleston County Revenue Collections
Base zoning

Check your exact address's zoning — live

Zoning is parcel-specific. We don't guess it on this page — check your exact address against the city's live GIS.

Check your address's live zoning →
Charleston, SC · stay current

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Charleston, SC · common questions

FAQ

Does Charleston require short-term rentals to register?

The city lists a short-term-rental registration (Short-Term Rental Permit / Business License) on its official pages. Whether it applies to your specific listing depends on factors we don't verify — confirm directly with City of Charleston Permit Center. Informational only, not legal advice.

How much does Charleston STR registration cost?

Published fee guidance: Fee varies (permit requires an annually-renewed City business license) — confirm current fee on the apply page. Fees change — confirm the current amount with City of Charleston Permit Center before you pay.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Charleston?

The city lists Accommodations Tax for Short-Term Rentals (state + county + city) (Charleston City within Charleston County totals approx. 14% (incl. 2% state + 2% county + 2% city accommodations tax) — confirm current rate and which portion online marketplaces remit with Charleston County Revenue Collections), administered by Charleston County Revenue Collections Division (local) / SC DOR (state). Confirm current rates and how to register on the official tax page.

Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Charleston?

That depends on the city's zoning and primary-residence rules, which we don't verify here — confirm with City of Charleston Permit Center and check your exact address's base zoning.

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