Hilton Head Island Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations (Updated for 2025)
As of February 2025, Hilton Head Island continues to enforce the short-term rental (STR) ordinance enacted by the Town Council in May 2022, which became effective on January 1, 2023. This ordinance applies to privately owned residential properties rented for periods of less than 30 days. (hiltonheadislandsc.gov)
Key Takeaways:
- Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit Required – All short-term rental properties on Hilton Head Island must have a valid permit ($250 annually).
- Business License Also Required – In addition to an STR permit, property owners must obtain a business license each year.
- Compliance with Local Laws – Owners and guests must follow regulations on noise, parking, trash disposal, and fire safety.
- Enforcement & Penalties – The town actively monitors STR compliance, with potential fines and permit revocation for violations.
- No Major Changes for 2025 – The current regulations, which took effect in January 2023, remain in place.
Key Requirements
Short-Term Rental Permit
- Property owners must obtain a permit for each STR property.
- Permits are valid from January 1 to December 31 each year and are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- The annual permit fee is $250 per property. (hiltonheadislandsc.gov)
Business License
- Owners must also secure an annual business license for each rental property.
- This license is separate from the STR permit and follows the same validity period.
Compliance with Local Regulations
- Owners must follow local rules regarding noise levels, parking, trash disposal, and fire safety.
- The town provides a 24/7 Short-Term Rental Nuisance Management Hotline at 843-341-6864 for reporting violations such as parking issues, excessive noise, or improper trash disposal. (hiltonheadislandsc.gov)
Guest Information Requirements
- Property owners must inform guests about local guidelines and regulations.
- The Town of Hilton Head Island provides printable brochures and guides to assist with this requirement. (hiltonheadislandsc.gov)
Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements for Owners
To operate a short-term rental (STR) on Hilton Head Island, owners must comply with the following regulations to ensure guest safety, neighborhood harmony, and adherence to town ordinances.
Owner Responsibilities
- The owner or designated Short-Term Rental Agent must be available by phone at all times.
- The owner or agent must respond on-site or take responsible action within one hour of receiving a complaint.
- Contact information must be prominently displayed inside the rental property.
- Owners must display all town-provided outreach materials for guest awareness.
- Regular property maintenance and inspections are required to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Parking Regulations
- Owners must inform guests in writing of the maximum number of vehicles allowed before finalizing any rental agreement.
- All parking spaces must be at least 9 feet by 18 feet and located on an improved surface (pavement, gravel, or other approved material).
- Guests are strictly prohibited from parking on streets, grass, or pine straw. Owners must enforce this rule.
Trash Disposal Regulations
- Clear trash removal instructions must be provided to guests, including designated pick-up times and any applicable homeowner association (HOA) guidelines.
- A designated trash storage area must be properly screened or fenced so containers are not visible from the street.
- Trash bins may only be placed curbside within 24 hours of pick-up and must be removed within 24 hours after collection.
Noise Regulations
- Owners must inform guests in writing of Hilton Head Island’s noise ordinances before confirming a rental agreement.
- The following noise regulations must be visibly displayed inside the rental:
- It is unlawful to unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of neighbors and public areas.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM, but noise ordinances are enforced 24/7.
Safety Regulations
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be fully operational and compliant with fire codes.
- A fully charged and functional fire extinguisher must be available on-site.
- All escape routes must be clear and unobstructed in case of emergency.
- Owners must notify guests in writing if a pool or hot tub is on the property, including details on safety equipment and guidelines.
📌 View Hilton Head Island Short-Term Rental Fire Safety Guidelines
Additional Requirements
- Owners of single-family dwellings must submit a site plan detailing parking and trash storage locations.
- This plan will be reviewed and approved by town staff to ensure compliance.
By following these guidelines, short-term rental owners can operate legally and responsibly while maintaining the integrity of Hilton Head Island’s residential communities.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Hilton Head Island has partnered with GovOS to monitor and enforce STR compliance.
- Property owners must use the Short-Term Rental Portal to register properties, update permits, and maintain contact details.
- Failure to comply with STR regulations can lead to fines and potential permit revocation. (hiltonheadislandsc.gov)
Recent Updates for 2025
- No major changes to the STR regulations have been implemented since they took effect in January 2023.
- Property owners are encouraged to stay informed about any future updates by regularly checking the Town of Hilton Head Island's official website. (hiltonheadislandsc.gov)
- As of 2025, Airbnb has now updated its platform to remit all taxes to the town of Hilton Head as VRBO has been doing. This means you will not have to add on an extra tax inside of your platform and all taxes will be automatically remitted to the town from Airbnb. Please check online and do your own due diligence to make sure all of this information still stands.
Conclusion
Hilton Head Island's short-term rental laws are designed to balance the needs of property owners, renters, and full-time residents. Owners should ensure full compliance with all permit, licensing, and local regulations to avoid fines or permit revocation. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Town of Hilton Head Island’s official website.
Please Visit the Town of Hilton Head Islands Website for the most up to date information.
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