short term rentals

Compliance for North Carolina

Navigating short-term rental (STR) laws can feel overwhelming—every county and city has its own rules around licensing, taxes, occupancy, and zoning. This page provides an informational overview* of compliance requirements across the regions we serve.

*Important: Regulations change frequently, and while we work to provide accurate information, the details here may not always reflect the most current updates. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney or qualified legal representative to ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Feature Packages

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Basic Package

Smart, Simple Support
All the essentials you need—booking, guests, and cleanings—handled with care, so you can relax and stay in control.

Included Services:

• Property management

• Booking management

• Guest support (business hours)

• Cleaning coordination

• Inventory & procurement

(basic restocking)

• Monthly financial reporting

Elite Package

Elevated Service, Happy Guests
Designed for owners who want more—smarter support, better reviews, and a seamless guest experience.

Everything in Basic, plus:

• 24/7 guest support

• Channel management

• Emergency coordination

• Feedback management & review

• Travel consulting for guests

• Local market optimization

• Mid-stay cleaning coordination

• Bimonthly reports with insights

Platinum Package

Luxury Management, Zero Stress
A premium, hands-off experience for second-home owners who
expect nothing but the best.

Everything in Elite, plus:

• Full concierge services

• Pre-arrival home stocking

• Luxury add-ons

• VIP guest experiences

• Priority emergency response

• Dedicated account manager

• Real-time financial dashboard

• Quarterly review & consultation

Clay County, NC

STR operators must collect state sales tax and Clay County’s occupancy tax for rentals shorter than 90 days. Airbnb handles state-level remittance, but county lodging tax may need to be filed manually depending on the platform.
Residential Classification
At present, STRs are considered residential under county zoning. However, the county has reviewed impacts of STR growth on neighborhoods, and new rules could emerge around permitting or guest limits.

Cherokee, NC

Short-Term Rental Tax Requirement
STR hosts must collect and remit North Carolina sales tax and the county’s occupancy tax on stays less than 90 days. Airbnb generally remits automatically, but VRBO and direct bookings may require owners to handle filings.
Zoning & STR Status
Cherokee County currently treats STRs as residential use, but individual municipalities (like Murphy or Andrews) may add their own permitting requirements. County commissioners have begun monitoring STR activity, which could influence future enforcement.

Jackson County, NC

Occupancy Tax Collection Requirement
Owners who rent out properties for 15+ days per year must collect and remit occupancy taxes. Airbnb handles this automatically, but VRBO and others may require manual remittance.
Residential Reclassification Prospects
The county legislature has paused reclassifying STRs as commercial—STRs currently remain residential under zoning, which may influence future enforcement.

Macon County, NC

Short-Term Rental Tax Requirement
All STRs must collect North Carolina sales tax and the county occupancy tax on stays less than 90 days. Airbnb typically remits these automatically, but VRBO and direct bookings may require the owner to submit taxes directly to the county.
Zoning & STR Status
Macon County currently treats STRs as residential use; however, the towns of Franklin and Highlands may impose their own permitting or registration rules within city limits. The county has signaled that increased STR activity could lead to stricter oversight in the future.