Durham, North Carolina Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Durham Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Durham does not regulate short-term rentals differently than long-term rentals. Please be advised that all ordinance regulations for the residences still apply, including the occupancy limit of three people unrelated by blood, marriage, or adoption per dwelling unit.Business License Requirements
Durham does not need a business license to operate a short-term rentalBuilding and Housing Standards
Durham has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Code Enforcement for more informationTourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county lawOther Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Durham website for more informationIs something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating5.8
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Competition
6.0 -
Real Estate Cost
6.2 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
6.6 -
Rental Rates
4.3
Durham, North Carolina Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 278,993
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Durham
- Airports
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
- Horace Williams Airport (IGX)
Want to learn more about Durham?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Durham rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Durham rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Durham.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Durham guests.
Interested in other North Carolina cities?
Check out the North Carolina Airbnb rules directory
What makes Durham a great place to invest?
- Historic Charm & Innovation: Durham seamlessly blends its rich history with a thriving, innovative spirit. Wander through the American Tobacco Historic District, which showcases beautifully restored tobacco warehouses, now home to trendy shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Don't forget to visit the awe-inspiring Duke University campus with its stunning Gothic architecture.
- Bursting with Art & Culture: Durham is a vibrant hub of creativity, boasting a diverse range of museums, galleries, and theaters. Don't miss the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works. Catch a live performance at the Durham Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art venue attracting world-class talent.
- Foodie's Paradise: Durham's culinary scene is a gastronomic dream, with mouthwatering farm-to-table eateries, innovative fusion restaurants, and a growing craft brewery scene. Sample award-winning Southern comfort food, international cuisine, and vibrant food truck offerings, showcasing the city's diverse flavors and talented chefs.
- Outdoor Adventures: Nature lovers will revel in Durham's numerous parks and outdoor attractions. Explore the scenic Eno River State Park, where you can hike, picnic, and even participate in whitewater rafting. Or, venture to the nearby Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a stunning 55-acre horticultural wonderland featuring vibrant blooms and peaceful walking paths.
- Root for the Home Team: Immerse yourself in the passionate world of collegiate sports in Durham, home to the nationally renowned Duke University Blue Devils. Catch a game of basketball, football, or soccer and feel the energy of the fans as they rally behind their beloved team.
Durham Nearby Cities
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16 miles away
- Rating: 6.8
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22 miles away
- Rating: 5.8
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Durham?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Durham has increased 1% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $275, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$470,512
1% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$275
4% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,793
2% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Durham, North Carolina
Common terms for Durham short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Durham has a description approximately 1,626 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 2,000 listings in Durham, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Durham, Downtown Durham, Chapel Hill, Place, Work, Duke University, Modern, Spacious, Quiet, and Smart.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Durham?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Durham involve going to the City Centre, Swimming, Outlet Shopping, Museums, and Adventure Activities. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Swimming
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Outlet Shopping
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Museums
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Adventure Activities
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Health Spa
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Hiking
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Cycling
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Horseback Riding
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Antiquing
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Wildlife Viewing
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Kayaking
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Durham, including Duke University, Duke University Hospital, Durham Performing Arts Center, Research Triangle Park, and Streets at Southpoint Mall. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Well Known Attraction
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Duke University
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Research Triangle Park
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Duke University Hospital
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Streets at Southpoint Mall
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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North Carolina Central University
Included on most listings
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Local Landmark
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Durham VA Medical Center
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Durham Performing Arts Center
Included on 90% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Duke University Chapel
Included on 90% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Cameron Indoor Stadium
Included on 83% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Duke Regional Hospital
Included on 63% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Included on 60% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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UNC Medical Center
Included on 60% of listings
What’s the weather like in Durham, North Carolina?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 71°, while the average low is about 51°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 39 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 9 inches per year. The humidity levels in Durham are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
35° Low 53° High
Spring
March through May
50° Low 71° High
Summer
June through August
68° Low 87° High
Fall
September through November
52° Low 71° High
Cities Near Durham
Durham, North Carolina, is located in Durham County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
