Is Airbnb legal in Asheville?

Airbnb Regulations in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, NC, has instituted stringent regulations on short-term rentals (STRs), primarily to address the city’s housing crisis. As of now, the city permits short-term rentals exclusively within designated resort zoning districts. This means that new short-term rental properties—specifically those rented for less than 30 days—are largely banned within city limits. However, "homestays" are allowed under specific conditions:

1. Residency Requirement: The host must reside in the property full-time and live there as their primary residence.
2. Limited Rental Capacity: Hosts can rent out one or two bedrooms at a time.
3. Duration of Stay: Rentals must be for less than 30 days.

While these rules aim to protect the availability of affordable housing, there has been movement towards potentially relaxing some restrictions. In 2021, a proposal known as House Bill 911 sought to eliminate local bans on short-term rentals, permitting them to operate under certain conditions. However, as of the latest updates, this bill has not been enacted, and Asheville continues to enforce its current regulations.

There is ongoing discussion among local officials regarding the balance between allowing STRs and addressing community concerns about housing availability. As Asheville real estate dynamics evolve, residents, city planners, and stakeholders continue to engage in discussions about potential future regulations and their impacts.