Permits and rulesReno and Sparks
Short-term rental rules in Reno and Sparks
The City of Reno has no short-term rental permit. What it does have is a room tax, and the license for that tax is free and required before you take a guest. Most guides online get this wrong because they quote the Washoe County permit, which cannot be issued inside either city.
Covers City of Reno and City of Sparks. Last checked: November 10, 2026.
No city permit, and no city business license
Reno lists vacation rentals and short-term rentals among the business types exempt from a city business license, and tells operators to check with the State of Nevada. We found no city short-term rental permit in anything Reno publishes. The city council has discussed writing rules, so this could change.
A room tax license, free, before your first guest
The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority licenses room tax operators and charges nothing for the license. It covers vacation rentals and homeowner rentals, and you need it before you start.
The line is 28 consecutive days
RSCVA treats a guest staying less than 28 consecutive days as transient. A lease of 28 days or more sits outside the room tax, which is what makes a furnished monthly rental a different product.
Which tax return applies
RSCVA publishes two monthly returns, one at 13.0% and one at 13.5%. Which one you file depends on where the home sits, so ask RSCVA for your parcel rather than relying on a figure from a blog.
A Reno address is not always the City of Reno
Jurisdiction follows the parcel. Parts of Spanish Springs, Sun Valley and south Reno carry city-style mailing addresses and sit in unincorporated Washoe County, where the county permit applies in full.
Common questions
Does Reno require a short-term rental permit?
No. The City of Reno runs no short-term rental permit and lists short-term rentals as exempt from a city business license. You do need a free room tax license from the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority before you host. The city has discussed writing rules, so check again before relying on this.
Can I get a Washoe County permit for a home inside Reno?
No. Washoe County requires and issues its permit only for homes in unincorporated areas. Check your parcel first, because some homes with a Reno mailing address are outside the city limits and do need the county permit.
Official sources
- City of Reno business licensing, common questions
- RSCVA room tax license application
- RSCVA finance and room tax returns
Where to go next
This is a plain summary, not legal advice, and rules change. Confirm your own parcel with the agency. Questions about a home you own? Call Duvoire Property Management at (775) 200-1742.