Short-Term Rental Laws in Stowe, VT (2026)
Short-term rentals are legal town-wide in Stowe, but any dwelling rented short-term for more than 14 days per calendar year must be registered with the town before renting ($100 per unit, renewed annually by April 30), have a Designated Responsible Person who can arrive in person within 45 minutes, and give the Fire Department 24/7 lockbox access. Guests pay a combined 13% in lodging taxes (9% Vermont rooms tax + 3% state STR surcharge + 1% Stowe local option tax), which Airbnb/Vrbo collect for platform bookings. The biggest looming restriction: amendments debated through mid-2026 (first reading May 13, 2026) would cap licenses at 850 and cut off non-primary-resident owners when properties sell, but they had not been adopted as of mid-July 2026. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
Stowe STR rules at a glance
| Legal status | Allowed with permit |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental Registration |
| Permit fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Annual |
| Owner occupancy required | No |
| Primary residence only | No |
| Total occupancy taxes | ~13% of gross revenue |
| Insurance | No STR-specific liability insurance requirement was found in the Town ordinance or Vermont state law. State law does require operators to complete and keep on-site the Vermont 'Short-Term Rental Safety, Health and Financial Obligations' self-certification form before renting, and to post contact and state-agency information in each unit. |
| Enforcement | Civil ordinance enforced by the Stowe Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Town Manager (or designees) as Issuing Municipal Officials, who may bring municipal complaints before the Vermont Judicial Bureau; the Town Manager may also seek injunctive relief in court. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense once 7 days have passed after notice. The Town contracted Deckard Technologies to run the online registration portal. Violations include renting without registering, providing false registration information, and failing to pay the fee. Fire Department must have 24/7 access via an approved Knox box. |
| Current rules effective | 2025-05-01 |
What will guests pay in taxes on a Stowe stay?
Itemized occupancy taxes for Stowe, VT — enter your nightly rate to see the real cost breakdown.
Stowe occupancy tax calculator
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax (rooms) (9%)· collection varies | $40.50 |
| Vermont Short-Term Rental Surcharge (3%)· collection varies | $13.50 |
| Town of Stowe Local Option Tax (rooms) (1%)· collection varies | $4.50 |
| Total tax (13%) | $58.50 |
| Guest pays | $508.50 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Permits & licensing
Stowe requires Short-Term Rental Registration to operate a short-term rental — the fee is $100, renewed annual.
$100 per dwelling unit per year; each separately rented unit on the same property (e.g., a house and an ADU) requires its own registration and fee. Registration applies to units rented short-term (under 30 consecutive days) for more than 14 days per calendar year. One industry site claimed the fee rose to $400 effective Jan 1, 2026, but the Town's own STR page (April 2026 snapshot) still states the fee is $100 — the $400 figure appears to confuse the maximum waiver-fee penalty with the registration fee.
Zoning & location rules
The current Registry Ordinance is a town-wide civil ordinance, not a zoning regulation — no zoning-district restrictions, owner-occupancy rules, unit caps, or night caps currently apply to STRs in Stowe. Pending 2026 amendments (not adopted as of mid-July 2026) would cap licenses at roughly 850, sunset non-resident owners' licenses when a property is sold (new non-resident buyers could not register), limit homestead residents to two STRs, and exempt Ski PUD/Resort PUD districts (e.g., Spruce Peak, Topnotch) and timeshares.
Taxes
| Tax | Rate | Who collects |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax (rooms)Platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) are required by Vermont law to register with the Department of Taxes and collect/remit for platform bookings; hosts who also take direct bookings must register for their own Meals and Rooms Tax account, remit via Form MRT-441, and post the account number on advertisements. | 9% | varies |
| Vermont Short-Term Rental SurchargeCreated by Act 183 of 2024, effective for rents collected on or after August 1, 2024. Applies to STRs but not to lodging establishments licensed under 18 V.S.A. Chapter 85. Platforms collect for platform bookings; hosts remit for direct bookings on Form MRT-441. | 3% | varies |
| Town of Stowe Local Option Tax (rooms)Stowe's 1% local option tax applies on top of the 9% rooms tax and 3% surcharge (13% total). Airbnb and Vrbo collect it for their listings; independent/direct bookings must be collected and remitted by the host. | 1% | varies |
Enforcement & penalties
Civil ordinance enforced by the Stowe Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Town Manager (or designees) as Issuing Municipal Officials, who may bring municipal complaints before the Vermont Judicial Bureau; the Town Manager may also seek injunctive relief in court. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense once 7 days have passed after notice. The Town contracted Deckard Technologies to run the online registration portal. Violations include renting without registering, providing false registration information, and failing to pay the fee. Fire Department must have 24/7 access via an approved Knox box.
Waiver fees (in lieu of civil penalty, if uncontested): $100 first offense, $200 second, $300 third, $400 fourth and subsequent. Civil penalties: $200 first offense, $400 second, $600 third, $800 fourth and subsequent — per violation, with each day counting as a separate offense after 7 days' notice. Officials have discretion to issue a written warning for a first offense.
⚠️ HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
Getting legal in Stowe: the playbook
Generated from this market's verified rules — each step traces to the sources at the bottom of this page.
- 1
Verify your zoning
Location rules apply: The current Registry Ordinance is a town-wide civil ordinance, not a zoning regulation — no zoning-district restrictions, owner-occupancy rules, unit caps, or night caps currently apply to STRs in Stowe. Pending 2026 amendments (not adopted as of mid-July 2026) would cap licenses at roughly 850, sunset non-resident owners' licenses when a property is sold (new non-resident buyers could not register), limit homestead residents to two STRs, and exempt Ski PUD/Resort PUD districts (e.g., Spruce Peak, Topnotch) and timeshares. Confirm your parcel's zoning with the city before applying.
- 2
Check the covenant layer
HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
- 3
Apply for the Short-Term Rental Registration
Budget $100 (annual renewal). $100 per dwelling unit per year; each separately rented unit on the same property (e.g., a house and an ADU) requires its own registration and fee. Registration applies to units rented short-term (under 30 consecutive days) for more than 14 days per calendar year. One industry site claimed the fee rose to $400 effective Jan 1, 2026, but the Town's own STR page (April 2026 snapshot) still states the fee is $100 — the $400 figure appears to confuse the maximum waiver-fee penalty with the registration fee. Apply through the city — the official application page is linked in the sources below.
- 4
Line up required insurance
No STR-specific liability insurance requirement was found in the Town ordinance or Vermont state law. State law does require operators to complete and keep on-site the Vermont 'Short-Term Rental Safety, Health and Financial Obligations' self-certification form before renting, and to post contact and state-agency information in each unit.
- 5
Set up tax collection & remittance
Platforms don't collect everything here: Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax (rooms) (9%), Vermont Short-Term Rental Surcharge (3%), Town of Stowe Local Option Tax (rooms) (1%) are remitted by the host. Register with the taxing authority before your first booking and calendar the filing deadlines.
- 6
Calendar the renewal before you forget it
This permit renews annual (budget $100 again). Most cities take weeks to process renewals and don't send reminders — our Host plan emails you at 60/30/7 days out.
- 7
Know the cost of getting it wrong
Waiver fees (in lieu of civil penalty, if uncontested): $100 first offense, $200 second, $300 third, $400 fourth and subsequent. Civil penalties: $200 first offense, $400 second, $600 third, $800 fourth and subsequent — per violation, with each day counting as a separate offense after 7 days' notice. Officials have discretion to issue a written warning for a first offense. Civil ordinance enforced by the Stowe Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Town Manager (or designees) as Issuing Municipal Officials, who may bring municipal complaints before the Vermont Judicial Bureau; the Town Manager may also seek injunctive relief in court. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense once 7 days have passed after notice. The Town contracted Deckard Technologies to run the online registration portal. Violations include renting without registering, providing false registration information, and failing to pay the fee. Fire Department must have 24/7 access via an approved Knox box.
Recent rule changes in Stowe
May 13, 2026critical
First reading of sweeping STR ordinance amendments (850-license cap, non-resident cutoff)
The Selectboard held a first read-through of amendments that would cap licensed STRs at roughly 850, sunset a non-resident owner's license when the property is sold (new non-resident buyers could not register), limit Stowe homestead residents to two STRs, exempt Ski/Resort PUDs and timeshares, and set Aug. 6, 2026 as a hard registration deadline after which unregistered non-residents would be locked out. Hundreds attended; the board signaled further revisions (e.g., family-transfer exceptions). NOT adopted as of latest verifiable reporting (late May 2026) — if adopted, this would be among Vermont's most restrictive STR regimes.
Official source →January 26, 2026material
Selectboard debates barring out-of-town owners from short-term renting
Vermont Public reported the Selectboard was weighing amendments to prohibit non-resident owners from operating STRs (existing non-resident operators grandfathered until sale), described by the Vermont Short Term Rental Alliance as 'by far the most restrictive' proposal in Vermont. A public hearing was set for Feb. 11, 2026; the board later funded a $20,000 economic impact study before proceeding. The board can amend the ordinance without a town-wide vote but must hold public hearings.
Official source →December 4, 2025material
Draft ordinance amendments presented to Selectboard
Following an Oct. 22, 2025 motion, staff presented redlined amendments renaming the Registry Ordinance to the 'Short-Term Rental Ordinance,' moving renewals to a May 1–April 30 cycle, restricting new registrations/transfers to primary residents (with Ski PUD, Resort PUD, and timeshare exemptions), and proposing that as of May 1, 2026 an STR registration would not survive a sale unless the new owner occupies the property. Draft only — advanced to further readings in 2026.
Official source →May 1, 2025critical
Short-Term Rental Registry Ordinance took effect
Stowe's first STR regulation became operative: mandatory annual registration ($100/unit) before renting any dwelling short-term more than 14 days/year, a Designated Responsible Person with 45-minute in-person response, 24/7 Fire Department lockbox access, and civil penalties up to $800 per offense (each day a separate violation). Adopted by the Selectboard Feb. 29, 2024 and upheld by voters 435-240 at a May 2024 special town meeting referendum.
Official source →August 1, 2024material
Vermont 3% short-term rental surcharge effective statewide
Act 183 of 2024 imposed a 3% surcharge on STR rents collected on or after Aug. 1, 2024, on top of the 9% rooms tax and Stowe's 1% local option tax (13% total on Stowe STR stays). Platforms collect it for platform bookings; independent hosts remit via Form MRT-441.
Official source →
Frequently asked questions
›Is Airbnb legal in Stowe?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are legal in Stowe, VT, but you must obtain a Short-Term Rental Registration before operating. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›Do I need a permit for a short-term rental in Stowe?
Yes. Stowe requires a Short-Term Rental Registration to operate a short-term rental, which costs $100 and must be renewed every year. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›How much does a Stowe short-term rental permit cost?
The Short-Term Rental Registration costs $100 (annual renewal). $100 per dwelling unit per year; each separately rented unit on the same property (e.g., a house and an ADU) requires its own registration and fee. Registration applies to units rented short-term (under 30 consecutive days) for more than 14 days per calendar year. One industry site claimed the fee rose to $400 effective Jan 1, 2026, but the Town's own STR page (April 2026 snapshot) still states the fee is $100 — the $400 figure appears to confuse the maximum waiver-fee penalty with the registration fee.
›Can I Airbnb a non-primary residence in Stowe?
Yes — Stowe does not limit short-term rentals to primary residences. Zoning and other restrictions may still apply. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Stowe?
Hosts in Stowe are subject to: Vermont Meals and Rooms Tax (rooms) (9%), Vermont Short-Term Rental Surcharge (3%), Town of Stowe Local Option Tax (rooms) (1%) — roughly 13% total on gross rental revenue. Platforms like Airbnb collect some of these automatically; check each line's collection method on this page.
›What happens if I operate a short-term rental illegally in Stowe?
Waiver fees (in lieu of civil penalty, if uncontested): $100 first offense, $200 second, $300 third, $400 fourth and subsequent. Civil penalties: $200 first offense, $400 second, $600 third, $800 fourth and subsequent — per violation, with each day counting as a separate offense after 7 days' notice. Officials have discretion to issue a written warning for a first offense. Civil ordinance enforced by the Stowe Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Town Manager (or designees) as Issuing Municipal Officials, who may bring municipal complaints before the Vermont Judicial Bureau; the Town Manager may also seek injunctive relief in court. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense once 7 days have passed after notice. The Town contracted Deckard Technologies to run the online registration portal. Violations include renting without registering, providing false registration information, and failing to pay the fee. Fire Department must have 24/7 access via an approved Knox box.
Stowe's STR rules changed 5 times recently.
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Related
Nearby covered markets
- Boston, MAPrimary residence only
- New York, NYPrimary residence only
- Philadelphia, PAPermit required
- Cape May, NJPermit required
- Ocean City, MDPermit required
Sources
- Town of Stowe — Short-Term Rental Registration (official page)retrieved July 11, 2026
- Town of Stowe — Short-Term Rental Registry Ordinance (adopted Feb. 29, 2024)retrieved July 11, 2026
- Stowe Selectboard packet, Dec. 4, 2025 — Item B-1: Short-Term Rental Ordinance Amendments (draft)retrieved July 11, 2026
- Vermont Department of Taxes — Short-Term Rentalsretrieved July 11, 2026
- Stowe Reporter — Town of Stowe to tighten rules on property rentals (May 21, 2026)retrieved July 11, 2026
- Vermont Public — Facing housing crunch, Stowe considers strict restrictions on short-term rentals (Jan. 26, 2026)retrieved July 11, 2026
- Avalara MyLodgeTax — Stowe, Vermont, adds mandatory registration fee to short-term rental rules (Nov. 2024)retrieved July 11, 2026
This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and enforcement varies — verify current requirements with Stowe and a qualified professional before operating.