Short Term Rentals (AIRBNB)

A residential short-term rental refers to any rental of a dwelling unit/bedroom as a residential accommodation for less than 30 consecutive days. Short term rentals are permitted in a homeowner’s primary residence however the property must be registered annually.

The owner must also obtain a business license from the city and pay 2% state and 3% local accommodations tax as well as 5% state sales tax.


Short-Term Rental Registration ($250 registration fee)

  • In Person – You may register your rental unit in person at the Travelers Rest City Hall, 125 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
  • By mail – Complete the registration application and include the $250 registration fee. Mail to Travelers Rest City Hall, 125 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690, Attn: Renee Smouse.

Business License

Short-term rental owners are required to obtain a business license from the City of Travelers Rest. To obtain a business license, a simple form is completed and a fee is calculated. Fees are calculated by using the gross receipts during a calendar year. Business licenses must be purchased each calendar year and are valid from May 1st, through April 30th.

Business License Application

  • Submitting your Business License
    • In Person – You may obtain a business license in person at the Travelers Rest City Hall, 125 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
    • By mail – Complete the business license application and include the calculated registration fee. Mail to Travelers Rest City Hall, 125 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690

Questions? Contact Renee Smouse,  864.834.8740


Accommodations and Sales Taxes
Short-term rental operators must collect state and local accommodations taxes as well as state sales taxes. Even if you hire a property manager, you as the property owner are ultimately responsible for collecting these taxes from renters and submitting them to the appropriate state and local agencies.


State Sales Tax
5% state sales tax must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. For more information please visit scdor.gov


State Accommodations Tax
2% accommodations tax must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Revenue. For more information please visit scdor.gov


Local Accommodations Tax
3% local accommodations tax must be submitted to the City of Travelers Rest monthly. Local Accommodations Tax form. 

State Sales Tax: 5.0% Remitted to State

State Accommodations Tax: 2.0% Remitted to State

Local Accommodations Tax: 3.0% Remitted to City of Travelers Rest

Total Taxes on Accommodations 10.0%


See the ordinance HERE.