Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Bedford Virginia.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Bedford County, Virginia for 2024

Registration and Licensing

• All short-term rental operators must register yearly by applying for a zoning permit to be reviewed for conformance with the zoning ordinance. A failure to register results in a $500 penalty fee.
• Operators must apply for either a Short-Term Rental License or a Management Plan License, depending on whether they meet specific exemption criteria.

Management Plan

• All short-term rental operators are required to submit a management plan each year. The plan must include a local point of contact within a 50-mile radius who can address issues on short notice.

Zoning and Location

• Short-term rentals are permitted by-right in Planned Commercial Development (PCD) and Residential Planned Unit Development (RPD) districts.
• In Agricultural (A-1) districts, short-term rentals require a special use permit.
• Short-term rentals are prohibited in all other zoning districts.

Occupancy and Safety

• Limit occupancy to no more than 2 adults per bedroom.
• Ensure adequate off-street parking for guests, although street parking may be allowed for properties without driveways or parking areas under specific conditions.
• Comply with safety requirements such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clearly posted occupancy limits and evacuation plans.

Advertising and Signage

• Advertisements must comply with the issued zoning permit and any other requirements set forth in the ordinance. If the dwelling is served by a private sewage disposal system, advertisements must comply with the approved Virginia Department of Health sewage disposal system permit.

Compliance and Inspections

• Properties must comply with all applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. The county can inspect properties to verify compliance.
• Upon more than three violations of applicable laws or regulations, the county may prohibit the property from being registered and offered as a short-term rental for up to two years.

Taxes and Insurance

• Operators must pay all applicable local taxes, including the state sales tax of 5.3% on the total cost of the rental.
• Operators must maintain liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000.

Homeowners' Association (HOA) and Property Owners' Association (POA) Rules

• Short-term rentals must comply with any rules set by HOAs or POAs within their communities.

Additional Requirements

• Operators must designate a local point of contact who can be available for issues related to the rental property.
• Guests are generally required to park vehicles on the property itself, unless specific exemptions apply for properties without driveways or parking areas.

Furnishing and Design Tips for an Inviting Airbnb in Bedford, Virginia

Planning and Budgeting

• Set Goals and Budget: Define your target audience and set a budget to ensure you cater to their needs without overspending.
• Choose the Right Time: Update your furniture during the off-season or between bookings to minimize disruption to guests.

Furniture Selection

• Opt for Timeless, Sturdy Pieces: Select furniture that is easy to clean and maintain, and consider input from your cleaning crew on durability.
• Bedroom Essentials: Use solid beds with storage options, memory foam mattresses, and mattress covers for longevity. Ensure beds have sturdy legs and avoid flimsy materials.
• Sofas and Seating: Choose sofas with washable covers and consider sofa beds to increase guest capacity. Opt for sturdy, lightweight chairs that are easy to move.

Layout and Space Utilization

• Measure and Plan: Measure your rooms to determine the best layout, ensuring ample space to move around and unobstructed natural light sources.
• Use Smart Storage: Incorporate beds with drawers, wall hooks, pegboards, and stackable containers to keep the space tidy and functional.
• Space-Saving Furniture: Use versatile pieces like sofa beds, folding tables, and ottomans with hidden storage to adapt to different guest needs.

Decor and Aesthetic

• Reflect Local Style: Incorporate elements that reflect Bedford’s rural and natural beauty, such as using natural materials and earthy colors.
• Lighting and Mirrors: Use smaller, warmer lights and place mirrors to reflect natural light and create the illusion of more space.
• Accent Chairs and Lighting: Add sculptural or foundational accent chairs and change lampshades or add floor lamps to refresh the space without major updates.

Guest Amenities

• Provide Essentials: Equip your kitchen with essentials like a coffee maker, microwave, and toaster. Include a hairdryer, basic toiletries, and a first-aid kit.
• Accessibility: Consider making your Airbnb accessible to guests with disabilities by adding ramps, wide doorways, and grab bars in bathrooms.

Maintenance and Cleanliness

• Easy-to-Clean Furniture: Choose furniture that is easy to clean and maintain to ensure your space remains guest-ready.
• Regular Updates: Periodically update your decor and furniture to keep the space fresh and inviting for guests.

Safety and Compliance

• Safety Features: Ensure your rental is equipped with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clearly posted occupancy limits and evacuation plans to comply with local regulations.
• Local Compliance: Register your property, pay the annual fee, and ensure adequate off-street parking and compliance with all local short-term rental regulations.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Bedford, Virginia

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests, several practical tips can be implemented when running a short-term rental business in Bedford, Virginia.

Noise Regulations and Quiet Hours

Inform your guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain a peaceful environment, especially in residential areas. Include this information in your digital and physical house manual to set clear expectations.

Creating a Comprehensive House Manual

Develop a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This manual should also outline house rules, local recommendations, and any specific regulations or restrictions.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with clear instructions on how to access the property, and consider implementing a no-contact check-in system for added convenience.

Parking Instructions with Photos

Ensure that guests know where to park by providing detailed parking instructions accompanied by photos. This helps avoid any confusion and potential issues with neighbors or local authorities.

By following these tips, you can enhance the guest experience, reduce potential issues, and maintain a positive reputation for your short-term rental business in Bedford, Virginia.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning services and other relevant providers in Bedford, Virginia:

House Cleaning Services

• Maid 4 You: A locally-owned and operated business specializing in residential cleaning on a regularly scheduled or as-needed basis.
• Various Options on Care.com: Includes 9 affordable house cleaning services with rates starting at $17.57/hr, searchable by rates, reviews, and experience.
• Top Rated House Cleaners on Angi: A list of highly-rated house cleaners in Bedford, VA, with real reviews and ratings.
• Maid Services on HomeAdvisor: A list of 6 best maid services in Bedford, VA, including cost estimates and reviews.

Additional Cleaning Services

• MK's Cleaning: Offers house cleaning, commercial cleaning services, and is BBB accredited.

For more detailed information, you can visit the respective websites or contact the services directly.

Managing Short-Term Rentals in Bedford, Virginia: Understanding Management Fees

In Bedford, Virginia, managing a short-term rental property often involves working with a property management company, and the fees for these services can vary significantly. Typically, management fees range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this scale, often ranging between 20% to 30% of the rental income.

Basic services, such as rent collection and minimal oversight, may incur lower fees. Additionally, property owners should be prepared for potential extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements. These additional costs can add up, but they are often necessary to maintain the property's appeal and ensure smooth operations. It is crucial for property owners to carefully evaluate the services included and the associated costs to ensure they align with their budget and management needs.