Clark County, NV

As an Airbnb host, it’s important for you to understand your local laws. We provide a platform and marketplace, but we don’t provide legal advice. Even so, we want to share some info to help you understand laws and other rules that relate to short-term rentals in Clark County, NV. The information in this article isn’t exhaustive, but it should help you start your research on local laws.

Airbnb doesn’t update this article in real time and isn’t responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites. Please check each source and make sure that the information provided hasn’t recently changed. If you have questions, contact Clark County at STR@ClarkCountyNV.gov, your local Council member directly, or consult a local lawyer.

Short-term rental regulations

Clark County Code Chapter 7.100 imposes restrictions on short-term rentals (STRs) in Clark County, NV. Note that these requirements apply only to unincorporated Clark County; listings in cities such as Henderson and Las Vegas are not subject to these restrictions as these municipalities may have their own short-term rental laws. The Code only applies to short-term rentals as defined below; it does not apply to traditional hospitality or other exempted rentals, as outlined below. Also note that the application period for Short-Term Rental Units is currently closed (as of Aug 21, 2023), per the County Application website.

Here are the details that potential hosts should know:

Eligibility

To operate a short-term residential rental unit (defined as a residential dwelling unit rented for 30 consecutive days or less ) in Clark County, the following eligibility criteria apply:

1. Ownership and Residency Requirements:
   • The applicant must be the property owner or, in the case of a unit that is owned by a trust or other corporate or legal entity, each trustee or principal of that trust or entity.
2. Zoning and Property Type:
   • Short-term rentals are permitted only in specific zoning districts as outlined in Title 30 of the Clark County Code.
   • Eligible properties include single-family homes, townhouses or condominiums.
   • You cannot have a Short-Term rental within 2,500 feet of a resort casino or within 1,000 feet of another short-term rental.

Permit requirements

Under the Code, anyone, unless they are exempt who intends on hosting short-term stays (30 consecutive days or less) in Clark County is required to have a short-term rental license to operate or advertise their short-term rental. Eligible short-term rental operators will need to meet the following requirements:

1. Licensing:
   • A valid short-term rental license and state business license issued by the Clark County Department of Business License are required.
   • The license is non-transferable and specific to the property and owner.
   • Applicants must comply with all state and local laws, including tax obligations (e.g., transient lodging tax) and safety regulations (e.g., smoke detectors, fire extinguishers).
2. Operational Restrictions:
   • The maximum occupancy of the residential rental unit must be limited to the lesser of two persons per bedroom or ten persons per residential unit.
   • Rentals must be for a minimum of two nights and a maximum of 30 consecutive days.
   • The property owner or a designated responsible person must be available 24/7 to respond to the unit regarding any complaints or emergencies within thirty minutes.
3. Homeowner Association (HOA) Rules:
   • If the property is within an HOA, the applicant must provide documentation that short-term rentals are permitted by the HOA’s governing documents.
4. Fees:
   • The ordinance outlines several fees associated with operating a short-term residential rental unit:
     • Short-Term Rental License Application Fee:
       • An annual license fee is required to maintain an active short-term rental license. This fee, based upon the number of bedrooms in the short-term rental unit as enumerated in the records of the county assessor's office, is separate from the application fee and must be paid upon license renewal each year.
       • Three or fewer bedrooms: $750
       • More than three bedrooms: $1,500
     • Annual License Fee:
       • A non-refundable application fee of $45 is required when submitting an application for a short-term rental license.
     • Transient Lodging Tax:
       • The tax rate varies but is typically around 13-14% of the rental income, depending on the location within Clark County.
     • Inspection Fees:
       • Before issuance of a short-term license, and in addition to the annual license fee, you will also have to pay a $150 non-refundable inspection fee.
       • You may have to pay a $150 inspection fee during renewal, if deemed necessary by the department.
     • Penalty Fees:
       • For unlicensed activity: not less than $1,000, and up to $10,000, based on severity of violation, good faith effort to work with County, and prior history of violations.
       • For all other violations: ranging from $500 to $1,000 per violation or nightly rental value (whichever is higher), depending on the severity and frequency.

Exemptions

In addition to traditional hospitality that is not within the County’s definition of short-term rentals, the ordinance includes specific exemptions where certain properties are exempt from licensing requirements:

1. Long-Term Rentals:
   • Rentals of 31 consecutive days or longer are not considered short-term rentals and are exempt from the requirements of Chapter 7.100;
2. Timeshares:
   • A timeshare or other property subject to the provisions of chapter 119A of the Nevada Revised Statutes;
3. Vacation Homes (as specifically defined below):
   • A vacation home is defined in Section 6.12.982 of the Clark County Code as any residential dwelling in a condominium hotel or resort condominium. The term "vacation home" does not include a "short-term rental unit" as defined in Chapter 7.100 of the code.
4. Certain Zoning Exemptions:
   • Properties on land not zoned exclusively for residential use and owned or operated by someone with a nonrestricted gaming license (or their affiliate) under Clark County Code Chapter 8.04.

Other contracts and rules

As a host, you need to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, including co-op rules, HOA rules, or other rules established that may prevent you from applying. You should be able to find out more by contacting Clark County.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to help them understand how Airbnb benefits our community. Where needed, we will continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.