Short-term rentals in Reno

Reno is no longer just a casino town. Its visitors now include weekenders from the Bay Area and Sacramento, skiers and summer travelers using it as a base for Lake Tahoe, about an hour away, event crowds for Hot August Nights, the balloon races and the rodeo, university visitors and a growing stream of business travel linked to the region's industrial and tech parks. Demand is spread across the year. Rentals are mostly single-family homes in older neighborhoods such as Old Southwest and Midtown, newer homes in the south and northwest suburbs, and condos near downtown and the river.

First question: city or county?

Nevada's statewide short-term rental law, AB363, applies only to the Las Vegas area. In the Reno region, the rules depend on who governs the parcel: the City of Reno inside city limits, Washoe County in unincorporated areas, or the City of Sparks. The same street address can hide different regimes, so use the Washoe County jurisdiction map before anything else.

Within Reno city limits

The City of Reno requires a short-term rental permit, with inspections and safety requirements, and the permit number must appear in all online advertising. Whether a new permit is available on a given street, and under what spacing or neighborhood conditions, is a question to put to the city's Community Development department before you commit.

Unincorporated Washoe County

Washoe County defines a short-term rental as a stay of fewer than 28 consecutive days, whether of a whole home or part of it. It offers a standard administrative permit and a Tier II permit for properties that need closer review, with Tier II applications accepted on set dates each month. The file typically includes a notarized owner affidavit, proof that property taxes are paid, site and floor plans, general liability insurance and a building inspection. Fees scale with occupancy. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, extinguishers, marked exits and the permit number in every listing are required. This is also the regime for Incline Village and Crystal Bay at Lake Tahoe.

Taxes

Stays are subject to transient lodging tax (room tax), collected for the county, the city and the regional tourism authority. Platforms collect part of it on their bookings; you remain responsible for complete compliance and for direct bookings.

Our advice

Settle jurisdiction, permit availability and HOA covenants before discussing price, because many newer Reno subdivisions restrict rentals. Winter access, snow on steep driveways in the hills and wildfire smoke in late summer are operational realities to plan for. We study every request and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.