Chapter 1

Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Guide for Hosts

Last updated: May 2025

Sin City has captured the imagination of travelers for decades. With its neon lights and award-winning entertainment, operating a short-term rental in Las Vegas, Nevada, makes a world of sense.

Of course, if you’re considering hosting a short-term rental in this dynamic city, it’s essential to understand the Las Vegas short-term rental regulations. This guide will walk you through the key laws, licenses, and tax requirements that hosts need to know when opening their doors.

Don’t see the form to download our vacation rental agreement? Click here.

Does Las Vegas allow short-term rentals?

Yes! Las Vegas allows short-term rentals. Whether it’s tourists taking in the neon lights or business travelers attending a conference, Las Vegas has always been a popular spot for short-term rentals.

Is Las Vegas a good place to open an Airbnb?

According to recent data from AirDNA, there are more than 22,000 active short-term rentals in Las Vegas. The same data reports that the average annual revenue for these hosts is $49,600. With a steady increase in demand and profit, Las Vegas is a very good place to open an Airbnb.

Requirements to start an Airbnb in Las Vegas

As much as you may want to jump into designing the interior of your new short-term rental, there are some requirements that you must meet before starting your business in Las Vegas.

General Airbnb laws in Las Vegas and requirements

According to the local Las Vegas government, short-term rentals must meet the following general requirements:

  • The host must live on-site.
  • No more than three bedrooms are allowed.
  • The rental must be at least 660 feet from another short-term rental, and at least 2,500 feet from any resort hotels.
  • The property must be located in a zone that allows short-term rentals.
  • If relevant, provide written permission from the homeowners association (HOA).
  • The property must be rented out to guests for fewer than 31 consecutive days.

Planning and land use approval

If your proposed short-term rental meets the above requirements, you may move on to the planning and land use approval process via the Citizen Portal. Prospective hosts need to provide the following during this step:

  • Justification letter: Write a detailed letter explaining that you (the host) live on-site and how the property will be used.
  • Site plan: The plan must include the location of the short-term rental, all existing structures and signage, and at least two parking spaces.
  • Floor plan: A floor plan must state which bedroom the host will sleep in, the location of all fire extinguishers, the layout of all rooms and doorways, and egress markings.

Home inspection

If the property passes the initial planning and land use approval, your short-term rental will undergo a home inspection. Hosts are responsible for scheduling the inspection and can make an appointment by calling the Code Enforcement team at 702-229-6615.

The purpose of this visit is to ensure that your property meets all safety, zoning, and livability standards. Hosts can learn more about what to expect by reading the Short-Term Rental Home Inspection Overview.

Short-term rental business license

After you’ve passed the home inspection, it’s time to secure your official short-term rental business license. In order to submit your application, you’ll need to have the following documents on hand:

Tax rules for Airbnbs in Las Vegas

Airbnb hosts are required to collect and remit the transient lodging tax, also known as the room tax, on behalf of their guests in Clark County. The current rate for this tax is 13.38% for properties within the Primary Gaming Corridor and 13% for properties outside of the corridor.

Hosts need to file and report their short-term rental income on their annual Nevada state tax return. Be sure to keep detailed records of all bookings, income, and expenses to ensure accurate tax reporting and to claim applicable deductions.

Other Las Vegas Airbnb laws

There are specific Airbnb laws in Las Vegas meant to help govern short-term rentals by encouraging harmony between property owners, guests, and the local community. Below is an overview of additional Las Vegas short-term rental regulations hosts need to be aware of.

Advertising regulations

Las Vegas enforces strict guidelines on advertising short-term rental properties to ensure transparency and compliance with local laws. Hosts must:

  • Accurately describe their rental properties in all advertisements and listing platforms
  • Avoid any misleading statements about amenities, size, or occupancy limits
  • Include the short-term rental license number in all advertisements

Failure to adhere to these advertising rules can result in penalties or fines.

Neighborhood notification and placard display

Certain neighborhoods in Las Vegas may require hosts to notify their neighbors of their intent to operate a short-term rental. This provision fosters community awareness and helps address potential concerns proactively.

Additionally, all short-term rental properties must display a placard, at least 8 inches by 11 inches, prominently visible to the public whenever the unit is occupied. This placard must clearly state the maximum allowed occupancy and provide a 24-hour contact number.

Building standards and safety

To maintain a secure environment for guests, hosts must ensure their properties comply with all applicable building and safety codes. This includes having:

  • Smoke detectors
  • Carbon monoxide alarms
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Emergency exit plans

General Las Vegas Airbnb regulations

Las Vegas has established several general rules to address common issues associated with short-term rentals:

  • Noise: Outside music or loud noises that can be heard more than 50 feet from the property line are prohibited.
  • Parking: All vehicles associated with the rental must be parked in the driveway. Vehicles should not block neighboring driveways or shared resources like community mailboxes.
  • Trash: Refuse must be stored in proper containers and kept out of public view except on designated trash collection days.

Las Vegas short-term rental regulations: FAQs

Let’s recap the important regulations for short-term rentals in Las Vegas.

Does Vegas allow short-term rentals?

Yes! Las Vegas allows short-term rentals in residential areas, but there are rules and regulations that need to be followed.

What is the average income for Airbnb in Las Vegas?

According to AirDNA, the average income for Airbnb in Las Vegas is $49,600 and growing.

What is the short-term rental tax in Clark County?

The short-term rental tax in Clark County is 13.38% for properties within the Primary Gaming Corridor and 13% for those outside of it. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax to the county.

What to take away from Las Vegas’ short-term rental regulations

Understanding Las Vegas short-term rental regulations is an important part of hosting an Airbnb in this great city. Whether it’s understanding Las Vegas short-term rental rules regarding zoning, adhering to tax requirements, or maintaining property standards, being informed and proactive will lead to a successful business. Hosting responsibly will both benefit you and contribute to the city’s growing short-term rental market.

And, of course, if you need help managing your Las Vegas Airbnb, Lodgify is here for you. Start a free 7-day trial to see firsthand how Lodgify can help you build a direct booking website, sync your listings across all your booking platforms, and automate your business.

Don’t see the form to download our vacation rental agreement? Click here.