Grand Strand Season, Ep. 4: The Vacation-Rental Owner’s Compliance Checklist

GRAND STRAND SEASON · Episode 4 · Property owners

GrandStrand.app is built around vacation properties, so let’s start with the paperwork that keeps them legal.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules differ by city and change over time, so confirm with the offices linked below or a local professional.

1. Know which jurisdiction you’re in

The Grand Strand has 14 communities. Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and unincorporated Horry County each have their own rules. Your tax bill tells you which applies to you.

2. Get the business license

• City of Myrtle Beach: every rental property needs a business license, short-term or long-term (required since June 2015). The license year runs June 1 – May 31. The fee is based on gross receipts, and late renewals pick up a 5% monthly penalty up to 30% (City FAQ).
• North Myrtle Beach: every short-term rental needs a license, renewed yearly (NMB).
• Unincorporated Horry County: a county business license, obtained before you start renting (Horry County).

3. Check your zoning before you buy

In Myrtle Beach, short-term rentals (under 90 days) are not allowed in zones starting with “R”, except RMV (Residential Multifamily Visitor). Violations are misdemeanors, with fines up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail (City of Myrtle Beach). Call Zoning at 843-918-1179 before you close on a property.

4. Collect and remit taxes

• State: 7% accommodations tax on stays under 90 days (SC DOR). Airbnb and VRBO generally collect the state portion. Local taxes may need separate registration.
• Myrtle Beach: a 1% Hospitality Fee and a 0.5% local accommodations tax, reported monthly or quarterly by the 20th.
• County: check the current hospitality and accommodations rates with the Horry County Treasurer. Collection has changed over the years.

5. Know the house rules

North Myrtle Beach expects operators to follow local rules on trash, parking, noise and occupancy. It held public forums on short-term rentals in 2025, so watch for changes.

Next step

List your property on GrandStrand.app. Owners who share local tips like these get noticed.

GRAND STRAND SEASON is GrandStrand.app’s running guide to living, visiting and doing business on the Grand Strand, from Little River to Pawleys Island. Previous: Ep. 3. Next: Ep. 5, the owner’s storm-season checklist.

📚 Read the whole storyline on the Boston Made Reader → Storylines · Find parking with Spot Check.

Rules, rates and dates change. We link the official source for each fact; check it before you rely on it.