Virginia
Property management in Frederick County
We manage homes in Frederick County around Stephens City and the Winchester area, north of our Front Royal office.
Frederick County approves short-term lodging with an administrative permit, no hearing. Its towns and the independent City of Winchester each set their own rules and lodging taxes.
What we manage here
Short-term rental rules in Frederick County
In unincorporated Frederick County, a short-term rental (the county calls it short-term lodging) is allowed by right in the RA, RP, MH1, R4, and R5 districts with an administrative STL permit from Planning and Development, plus a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue. The permit costs $200 and runs two years, renewals are $100, and there is no public hearing. The standard most likely to matter is the cap: 10 people, 5 guest rooms, and one rental contract per night, with 2 reserved off-street parking spaces. Guests pay the county's 6% lodging tax as of 7-1-2026.
The full Frederick County rulebook, with fees, standards, taxes, and sources
Towns in Frederick County
Incorporated towns set their own zoning, so a home inside town limits can follow different rental rules than one a mile outside.
- Stephens CityIncorporated town with its own zoning and 8% lodging tax.
- MiddletownIncorporated town with its own zoning and 5% lodging tax.
Management pricing
Short-term (under 30 days)
20%
Of nightly accommodation revenue. Guest cleaning fees are not included in the fee. Sign up online
Mid-term (30 days or more)
15%
Of rent collected, including stays while your permit is pending. Mid-term rentals
Long-term (12-month leases)
7% to 10%
Of rent collected: 10% for one to four doors, down to 7% at twenty-five or more. Long-term rentals
Own a rental in Frederick County? Call 540-218-8969 or contact us.