Understanding Permits for Short-Term Rentals: How Wander Operated Helps You Navigate the Process

Operating a short-term rental (STR) can be an exciting and profitable venture, whether it’s a cozy beachfront property or a sleek city home. However, before you can start welcoming guests, you’ll need to make sure your property is fully licensed and compliant with local regulations. 

Don’t worry—Wander is here to help guide you through the process, ensuring all the necessary permits and approvals are in place for you to operate legally.

Why Permits Are Important

When running a short-term rental, there are specific laws and requirements that vary by city, county, or state. 

These regulations often cover:

• Licensing and registration

• Zoning and operational guidelines

• Tax obligations

• Occupancy restrictions 

• Other operational requirements

Failing to comply with these laws can lead to fines, penalties, or even the loss of your right to operate. That’s why having the proper permits and staying up-to-date on renewals is crucial for any STR owner.

Steps to Obtaining a Permit

While the process for obtaining a short-term rental permit can differ depending on where your property is located, here are the general steps we usually follow:

1. Check Local Regulations: Each jurisdiction has different rules for short-term rentals. We’ll help you navigate local laws, ensuring you’re clear on what’s required.

2. Gather Required Documentation: You’ll need to provide documents like your deed, insurance, a certificate of occupancy, site and floor plans, and more. Wander will guide you through the process, making sure you have everything in order.

3. Apply for the Permit: Once you have all the necessary paperwork, Wander will help you submit the application to the relevant authorities.

4. Prepare for Inspection: Some locations require an inspection before granting a permit. Wander will coordinate this for you, and you won’t need to be present.

5. Permit Approval & Renewals: After your permit is approved, Wander will track renewal dates and handle renewals as needed—so you never have to worry about lapsing documentation.

How Wander Helps You Stay Compliant

At Wander, we’re not just here to help you get started—we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your property remains compliant. 

Here’s how we support you:

• Permit Application & Renewals: Wander takes care of applying for and renewing your STR permits. We’ll only need your signatures and any updated documentation.

• Inspection Management: If your property requires an inspection for permitting, we’ll handle everything. If issues arise, we’ll guide you through fixing them so you can pass the inspection without hassle.

• Tax Management: Most areas require STR taxes, and Wander can manage tax remittance on your behalf, ensuring compliance with local tax laws.

• Business Structure Flexibility: If your property is under a trust or corporation, Wander will make sure we have the necessary documents to avoid any issues with your application. We will advise you regarding the eligibility of your business structure, and provide the necessary  guidance to avoid any processing delays/denial of the permit.

Required Documentation

To make sure you’re fully prepared, here are some of the common documents you’ll need when applying for a short-term rental permit:

• Deed

• Insurance

• Certificate of Occupancy

• Site Plan & Floor Plan

• Septic Permit or Well Inspection Certificate

• Trash Plan

• Emergency Egress Plan

• Copy of your Driver’s License

Peace of Mind with Wander

With Wander, you don’t have to worry about the complexities of short-term rental permits. 

Our team of experts knows the ins and outs of local regulations and will handle the heavy lifting to ensure your property is legally compliant and ready to rent.

Have questions or want to get started? 

Let’s chat—we’ll walk you through the entire process so you can start earning from your rental property, hassle-free!