Wilmington, North Carolina

Short-Term Rental Regulations — New Hanover County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $75.00Tax: 2%Min Stay: 1
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026
$75.00License Cost
1Min. Night Stay
2%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$75.00
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay1
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT2%

Official Sources

Data confidence: 93%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Wilmington, North Carolina

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Wilmington, North Carolina are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $75.00). A lodging/occupancy tax of 2% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Wilmington, North Carolina?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Wilmington?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $75.00.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Wilmington?

Short-term rentals in Wilmington are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 2%.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Wilmington?

Yes — Wilmington sets a minimum stay of 1 night.

Where do these Wilmington short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Wilmington's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Wilmington, New Hanover County, or North Carolina authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.