STR FAQ’s

The NC STR Alliance is a rental alliance that is the collective voice of Buncombe County's short-term rental community. We are residents, property managers, hosts, local businesses, and other stakeholders. We understand and protect homeowners' rights to rent their properties responsibly. We believe in fair and reasonable regulations of short-term rentals (STRs), and we depend on the value that private hosting brings to Buncombe County

When you join the NC STR Alliance, you join a group of like-minded people who share your concerns and want to hear your input. We are working together to keep the Buncombe County community informed and share resources about short-term rentals. We offer quarterly meetings where we share short-term rental (STR) education, market research, and advocacy. When you join our organization, you will receive email updates on proposed regulations and other events.

Buncombe County proposes banning future short-term rentals (STRs) in all zoning districts except commercial districts. Other proposed regulations include limiting STRs to no more than 4,000 square feet. The regulations are working through the planning board and will be voted on at an April 22nd, 2024, meeting. After that, the ordinance will likely go to the county commission in May, which can accept the planning board's recommendation or offer its own STR regulations.

A short-term rental is typically defined as a rental of a furnished home for less than 30 days.

According to AirDNA, there are 3250 short-term rentals in Buncombe County zoning districts, which account for 2.42% of the country's total housing stock

According to an economic impact study completed by TXP, Inc., short-term rental guests have a direct annual spend of $701,300 and support 9,501 jobs.

Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of vacation rental properties, including guest services, maintenance, housekeeping, and marketing.

Cleaners are employed to ensure that rental properties are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for incoming guests between stays.

Responsible for maintaining and repairing the property, including fixing appliances, addressing plumbing or electrical issues, and performing routine maintenance tasks.

Provide customer support to guests, including answering inquiries, handling reservations, coordinating check-ins and check-outs, and addressing any issues or concerns during the guest's stay.

Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract guests to rental properties, including online advertising, social media marketing, email campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses or travel agencies.

Vacation rentals often support local businesses such as restaurants, shops, attractions, tour operators, and transportation services, as guests spend money on dining, shopping, and recreational activities during their stay.

Vacation rental properties may require services and supplies from contractors, vendors, and suppliers, including construction, renovation, furnishing, landscaping, and maintenance materials.

Involved in buying, selling, and managing vacation rental properties, as well as assisting property owners with investment decisions and rental strategies.

The Buncombe County staff said they have no data showing a connection between short-term rentals and affordable housing. NC STR Alliance completed a study in 2021, revised in 2024, confirming no measurable causation between STRs and affordable housing.

No formal membership is required. Sign up to receive email updates and join our quarterly meetings.

No membership dues to join.