Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Elko, NV?

• Explicit answer: Yes—short‑term rentals (STRs) are permitted in Elko under Nevada law. Nevada state law allows STRs and establishes baseline statewide requirements for operators (e.g., registration with the designated local authority, tax remittance, safety compliance). Local jurisdictions (city and/or county) may impose additional requirements or restrictions (zoning, caps, operational limits, safety, etc.). Always confirm any city‑ or county‑level rules before operating.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Elko

• Confirm land use and zoning
  • Verify that the property’s current zoning allows short‑term rental use (host home/short‑term rental) and that there are no HOA or recorded covenants that prohibit STRs.
  • If you are within Elko city limits, confirm whether any city permits/registrations are required and whether your use is a “host home” or “short‑term rental” under local code.
• Register and obtain required authorizations
  • State-level baseline: Register with the local authority designated under Nevada law (typically county or city) as required for STR operators.
  • Apply for any city business license/registration if required by the City of Elko; verify fee, posting requirements (if any), and inspection needs.
• Tax setup and compliance
  • Set up transient lodging tax (room tax) accounts with Elko County and/or the City of Elko if they administer a separate tax; collect and remit taxes per the county/city schedule.
  • If you list on platforms (Airbnb/VRBO), comply with platform tax collection/remittance obligations and any platform registration requirements under Nevada law.
• Insurance and legal protections
  • Carry appropriate liability and property insurance and review short‑term rental exclusions with your broker/carrier.
  • Use compliant rental agreements, house rules, and local addenda.
• Safety, building, and health compliance
  • Meet all applicable fire/life safety, building, and health regulations. If the local authority requires posting/inspection, schedule and complete as directed.
• Launch
  • List the property on your chosen platforms; display/collect required taxes; maintain records for audits; and keep your license/registration current and renewed.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• State (Nevada)
  • STR registration with the designated local authority (county/city) as mandated under Nevada law.
  • Transient lodging tax (room tax) compliance (registration, collection, and remittance).
  • Compliance with any statewide or local safety/health standards applicable to STRs.
• County (Elko County)
  • Potential requirement: Elko County business license and/or transient lodging tax account (verify with the county for current practice in the unincorporated areas).
• City (City of Elko)
  • Potential requirement: City business license/STR registration (host home/STR classification, fees, inspections).
  • Possible local operational standards (occupancy limits, parking, signage, noise, etc.) and local fee schedules.
• Best‑practice documentation
  • Insurance evidence (liability/property).
  • Local addenda/acknowledgments; emergency procedures; posted house rules.
  • Financial records (booking statements, tax returns, expense logs).

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city, county, and state)

• State (Nevada)
  • Nevada law permits short‑term rentals and sets baseline statewide obligations, including operator registration with the designated local authority, taxation (transient lodging/room tax), and safety/health compliance. Local jurisdictions may adopt additional rules. Confirm the current designated local authority and any statewide restrictions at:
    • Nevada Legislature website: www.leg.state.nv.us
    • Department of Business & Industry, Real Estate Division (STR program): red.nv.gov
• County (Elko County)
  • Elko County may require a business license and administers transient lodging tax for unincorporated areas. Enforceable rules in the county may include safety, occupancy, and nuisance standards. Verify current requirements with the county before operating in unincorporated areas.
• City (City of Elko)
  • The City of Elko may require a business license/STR registration for properties inside city limits and may enforce local zoning/land use and operational requirements (e.g., host home vs STR classification, cap/occupancy limits, safety inspections). Confirm current city codes, fees, and application procedures.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

• State designated authority (Nevada): Department of Business & Industry, Real Estate Division (STR program)
  • Phone: 702‑486‑4033
  • Email: red@gov.nv.gov
  • Website: red.nv.gov
• County authority (Elko County)
  • Phone: 775‑738‑5696
  • Email: admin@elkocountynv.gov (confirm STR‑specific contact with the county)
  • Website: www.elkocountynv.gov
• City authority (City of Elko)
  • Phone: 775‑777‑7100
  • Website: www.ci.elko.nv.us
  • Note: Check the city’s “Business Licensing” or “Community Development” pages for any STR‑specific application and inspection requirements.

Links to source pages

• Nevada Legislature: www.leg.state.nv.us
• Nevada Department of Business & Industry, Real Estate Division (STR program): red.nv.gov
• Elko County Government: www.elkocountynv.gov
• City of Elko: www.ci.elko.nv.us

Notes for STR investors

• Confirm with the City of Elko whether city‑level permits/registrations are required for properties inside city limits.
• Confirm with Elko County whether a county business license and local taxes apply for properties outside city limits.
• Maintain rigorous records (registrations, tax filings, safety inspections, guest communications) to reduce audit risk and liability.
• If any municipal authority has adopted stricter rules than state law (e.g., caps, spacing limits, inspection regimes), operate under the stricter standard. If no city‑specific STR rules are published, operate under the state baseline and county rules that apply.