Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Wilmington North Carolina.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wilmington, North Carolina for 2024

Overview

Following the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruling in Schroeder v. City of Wilmington in 2022, Wilmington no longer requires registration or licensing for short-term rental operators. However, several key regulations remain in effect.

Key Regulations

Types of Short-Term Rentals

• Homestays: Renting rooms in your home while living onsite.
• Whole-house: Renting an entire home without the host present.

Insurance Requirements

• Hosts must have liability insurance that covers short-term rentals, typically with at least $500,000 in liability coverage.

Parking Requirements

• Ensure adequate off-street parking is available, with at least one space per bedroom rented. The city can issue fines for parking violations.

Occupancy Limits

• Comply with maximum occupancy rules: no more than two adults per bedroom, plus two additional adults. Maximum occupancy must be clearly documented in the rental listing.

Local Manager Requirement

• Whole-house rentals must have a local manager available within 25 miles, reachable for any issues that may arise.

Tax Compliance

• Collect and remit a 6% occupancy tax to the county on all bookings. Register with the local finance department to ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Zoning and Land Use

• Short-term rentals must comply with zoning and land use ordinances. Certain zoning districts may have specific restrictions or prohibitions.

Safety and Health Regulations

• Follow safety and health standards, including posting nonemergency police numbers and trash pickup days in the rental unit. Prohibit cooking in bedrooms.

Noise and Nuisance Regulations

• Adhere to noise and nuisance regulations. Enforcement is often complaint-driven, and fines can range from $100 to $500 for violations.

General Compliance

• Maintain good relationships with neighbors to avoid complaints. Compliance with all regulations is crucial for successful and legal operation of short-term rentals.

Top Neighborhoods Generating Airbnb Revenue in Wilmington, North Carolina

1. Historic District

The Historic District is one of the most appealing and lucrative neighborhoods for Airbnb in Wilmington. It is filled with 18th and 19th-century architecture, popular brewpubs, and top-rated restaurants. The area's proximity to the Riverwalk, which offers stunning river views and access to key city sites, makes it highly attractive. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including luxury condos and historic homes, many of which are within walking distance to bars, shops, and restaurants.

2. New Center

New Center is a central neighborhood that offers easy access to both the beaches and the Historic District. This location makes it ideal for guests who want to experience all of Wilmington's main attractions. The area boasts a range of shops and restaurants, from budget-friendly options to fine dining, and provides comfortable accommodations including high-class hotels and apartments. Its central location ensures easy transportation links to other parts of the city.

3. Mayfaire

Mayfaire is a family-friendly neighborhood known for its safe and relaxed atmosphere. It is close to the beach and the Downtown area, making it convenient for guests to enjoy most of Wilmington’s attractions without much travel. The neighborhood offers luxurious yet reasonably priced accommodations, including hotels like the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, which features amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, and free daily breakfast.

4. Riverfront

The Riverfront area is highly sought after due to its stunning views of the Cape Fear River and its central location in Historic Downtown. Guests can enjoy waterfront condos with balconies overlooking the river, easy walking distance to restaurants, art galleries, and shopping, and access to river boat cruises and historical tours. The area is well-managed by professional hosts and offers high-end furnishings and amenities.

5. Downtown Wilmington (Upper Downtown)

Upper Downtown Wilmington is another lucrative area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to key attractions. Guests can stay in fully restored historic homes, some of which have been used for filming and hosting celebrities. These properties often come with modern amenities, private porches, and easy access to the city's main attractions, making them highly appealing for a comfortable and memorable stay.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Wilmington, North Carolina

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Wilmington, North Carolina, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform your guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to avoid complaints from neighbors. Clearly communicate these rules in your rental listing and within a digital or physical house manual to set expectations from the outset.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This manual helps guests navigate the property easily and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or issues.

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, along with photos of the lock and any other relevant entry points.

Parking Instructions

Ensure that guests have adequate parking by providing detailed instructions, accompanied by photos, on where and how to park. This helps prevent parking violations and maintains good relations with neighbors.

By following these tips, you can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce potential issues, and maintain compliance with local regulations, ultimately contributing to the success of your short-term rental business in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Wilmington, North Carolina:

House Cleaning Providers in Wilmington, NC

Merry Maids

• Offers house cleaning, maid services, and deep cleaning services.
• Serves Wilmington, Leland, and surrounding areas.
• Contact: (910) 317-0365 or schedule online.

Nest Maid Fresh

• Provides recurring maid services, deep house cleaning, and move-in/out cleaning.
• Fully bonded, insured, and locally owned.
• Serves Wilmington, Hampstead, Mayfaire, Ogden, and surrounding areas.
• Contact: (910) 431-7695 or request a free quote online.

The Maids

• Specializes in healthy house cleaning with a 22-Step Cleaning Process.
• Offers recurring maid services, deep cleaning, and move-in/out cleaning.
• Serves Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and surrounding coastal communities.
• Contact: (910) 859-8449 or request a quote online.

Eloise's Cleaning Services

• Provides customized cleaning services for residential and vacation rental properties.
• Offers easy online booking and secure online payments.
• Serves Wilmington, Leland, Kure Beach, Hampstead, and surrounding areas.
• Contact: (910) 726-3000 or book online.

Carolina Cleaning Services

• Offers residential and commercial cleaning services with flexible scheduling.
• Licensed, bonded, and insured with experienced professionals.
• Serves various areas in eastern North Carolina including Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and more.
• Contact: (910) 777-7665 for a free estimate.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Wilmington, North Carolina

In Wilmington, North Carolina, short-term rental management fees typically range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, booking management, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum. These companies, like Carolina Vacays and PMI Wilmington, offer services that include staging tips, multi-channel marketing, and ensuring high guest satisfaction, which can justify the higher fees.

Basic services, such as monthly rent collection and tenant screening, may incur lower fees. Additionally, property owners may face extra charges for specific services like cleaning, repairs, or design and remodeling services. These additional fees can vary based on the property's needs and the management company's policies.