Winston–Salem, NC Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Winston–Salem 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
Winston–Salem does not regulate short-term rentals.Business License Requirements
Winston–Salem does not need a business license to operate a short-term rental.Building and Housing Standards
Winston–Salem 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 Inspections Division for more information.Tourist 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 Winston–Salem website for more informationIs something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.8
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Competition
8.0 -
Real Estate Cost
8.0 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
8.4 -
Rental Rates
2.8
Winston–Salem, 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
- 249,545
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Forsyth
- Airports
- Smith Reynolds Airport (INT)
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Want to learn more about Winston–Salem?
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 Winston–Salem rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Winston–Salem rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Winston–Salem.
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 Winston–Salem guests.
Interested in other North Carolina cities?
Check out the North Carolina short term rental regulations directory
What makes Winston–Salem a great place to invest?
- Historic Old Salem: Step back in time and immerse yourself in the beautifully preserved 18th-century Moravian settlement of Old Salem. Wander through cobblestone streets, visit authentically restored buildings, and experience the rich history of the area with costumed interpreters who bring the past to life in this living history museum.
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art: Discover a world-class collection of American art housed in the historic Reynolda estate. The museum showcases works from prominent artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, and Grant Wood, while the surrounding gardens and walking trails provide a serene setting for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- Adventure at Quarry Park: Get your adrenaline pumping with outdoor activities at Quarry Park. Offering stunning views of the Winston-Salem skyline, the park features rock climbing, zip-lining, and hiking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to snap a photo at the picturesque overlook.
- Cheer on the Dash: Join the electrifying atmosphere at Truist Stadium as you cheer on the Winston-Salem Dash, the city's minor league baseball team. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, savory ballpark treats, and a lively game that will make you feel like a true local.
- Explore the Arts District: Stroll through the vibrant streets of the Downtown Arts District (DADA) and experience a hub of creativity, where local artists showcase their talents in galleries, studios, and colorful murals. Be sure to stop by on the first Friday of each month for DADA's First Friday Gallery Hop, when the district comes alive with music, performances, and special events.
Winston–Salem Nearby Cities
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24 miles away
- Rating: 6.7
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33 miles away
- Rating: 6.5
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Winston–Salem?
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 Winston–Salem has increased 10% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $172, which is lower than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$314,954
10% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$172
10% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,579
4% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Winston–Salem, North Carolina
Common terms for Winston–Salem 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 Winston–Salem has a description approximately 1,071 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 669 listings in Winston–Salem, 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 Winston Salem, Downtown, Wake Forest, Quiet, Place, Comfortable, Downtown Winston, Forest University, Spacious, and Walking.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Winston–Salem?
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 Winston–Salem involve going to the City Centre, Museums, Adventure Activities, the Health Spa, and Antiquing. 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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Museums
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Adventure Activities
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Health Spa
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Antiquing
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Winery Tours
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Hiking
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Wildlife Viewing
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Cycling
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Rural
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Horseback Riding
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Tennis
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Winston–Salem, including Wake Forest University, Hanes Mall, Old Salem, Benton Convention Center, and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. 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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Regional Landmark
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Hanes Mall
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Wake Forest University
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Old Salem
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Benton Convention Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Truist Stadium
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Winston Salem State University
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Tanglewood Park
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Included on 2% of listings
What’s the weather like in Winston–Salem, North Carolina?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 69°, while the average low is about 51°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 37 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 10 inches per year. The humidity levels in Winston–Salem 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
34° Low 51° High
Spring
March through May
50° Low 70° High
Summer
June through August
68° Low 85° High
Fall
September through November
52° Low 70° High
Cities Near Winston–Salem
Winston–Salem, North Carolina, is located in Forsyth County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
