So, you’ve fallen in love with Charlottesville — the brick sidewalks, the vineyards, the energy of the University, the mountain views — and you’re thinking, “Hey, I’ll buy a cute little house and rent it on Airbnb!”

Well… not so fast.

Charlottesville loves its visitors, but when it comes to short-term rentals, the city keeps things pretty tight. In fact, you can’t legally run a stand-alone Airbnb here — meaning you can’t rent out a property you don’t live in.

Let’s break down why that is (and why it’s not as bad as it sounds).

Can you have an Airbnb in Albemarle county, Virginia? You can, but its pretty regulated. In Albemarle County, a “homestay” is basically a short-term rental — you’re renting out part or all of your home for fewer than 30 consecutive days.

You must live in the home (as your primary residence) to use it as a homestay.

If you’ve ever dreamed of buying a little bungalow in Charlottesville and turning it into a full-time Airbnb, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, Charlottesville’s zoning and homestay rules don’t allow stand-alone short-term rentals — at least, not in most residential areas. Here’s why.