Overview: Are STRs allowed in Chesterfield, SC?

• Statewide allowance: Yes—short-term rentals are allowed under South Carolina law. The state’s Vacation Rental Act defines a “vacation rental” as a rental for fewer than 90 days and imposes basic obligations on owners and rental managers (written agreements, trust accounts for deposits, disclosure to buyers, and honoring reservations for 90 days after a property sale).
• No Chesterfield-specificordinance found in the provided content. Absent city/county rules, statewide regulations govern your operation.
• Implication: Proceed under SC statutes and statewide tax and safety norms. If Chesterfield or Chesterfield County later adopts local rules, they would supersede general state guidance.

How to start a short-term rental business in this market (Chesterfield, SC)

1. Confirm legal use and compliance path

• Use the property in a manner consistent with local zoning (the sources do not provide Chesterfield zoning specifics). If you’re unsure, contact Chesterfield County Planning & Zoning or the Town of Chesterfield to confirm STRs are permitted at your address.

2. Draft compliant agreements

• Use a written Vacation Rental Agreement (including electronic signatures) and a Vacation Rental Management Agreement if a manager or brokerage is involved.
• Acceptance may be evidenced by signature, payment, or taking possession.

3. Set up financial controls

• If using a manager, they must place tenant funds into a trust account consistent with SC real estate commission rules.
• State advanced payments and nonrefundable terms in the agreement as permitted by law.

4. Understand post-sale obligations (transfer of title)

• Buyers take title subject to the rental agreement and management agreement for stays beginning within 90 days of deed recording.
• Sellers must disclose all future rentals and provide buyer contact details to the management company within 14 days of contract ratification and again within 14 days after recording.
• If rentals are not honored beyond the 90-day window, deposits must be returned within 45 days of recording.

5. Comply with tax registration and collection

• State accommodations and sales tax generally apply to stays under 90 days.
• SC Department of Revenue (DOR) registration is typically required before collecting/remitting taxes, unless you rent fewer than six bedrooms in your primary residence without using an online marketplace, or rent fewer than 15 days total in a calendar year, in which case state tax obligations may not apply.
• Local accommodations taxes may also apply. Platforms may collect/remit state taxes on your behalf for platform bookings; you remain responsible for any local taxes and for filing if you have a retail license or if required by local rules.

6. Prepare for safety, zoning, and insurance

• Align with statewide landlord/tenant safety norms and any local building/safety codes.
• Secure appropriate liability coverage. Local jurisdictions in SC commonly require $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance for STRs (not explicitly found for Chesterfield, but a practical standard in many SC municipalities).

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Vacation Rental Agreement (written; electronic acceptance allowed)
• Vacation Rental Management Agreement (if using a manager/broker)
• Trust account arrangements for managers (as required by SC real estate law)
• Business license (confirm with Chesterfield County or the Town of Chesterfield)
• State tax registration/retail license if required (SC DOR)
• Safety compliance as applicable: smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, electrical/pool safety, parking, sanitation, and property upkeep
• Liability insurance (commercial general liability typically required by SC localities; confirm local minimums)

Specific regulations (Chesterfield and State)

• Statewide legal definition and core obligations (SC Vacation Rental Act)

  • Vacation rental: < 90 days.
  • Written agreements required; electronic signatures permitted.
  • Managers must use trust accounts; advanced payments terms must be stated in the agreement.
  • Disclosure duties and buyer obligations upon sale: honor reservations beginning within 90 days of recording; sellers must disclose reservations and buyer information to managers.

• State and local taxation

  • State sales and accommodations taxes typically apply to stays under 90 days.
  • Exemptions: rentals < 15 days per calendar year; or renting fewer than six bedrooms in your primary residence without using a marketplace (state-level accommodations tax may not apply under these conditions).
  • Platform-facilitated bookings: marketplaces may collect/remit state taxes; local tax obligations can still require direct host action depending on jurisdiction.
  • Registration: Obtain a retail license with SC DOR before collecting/remitting state taxes unless you are exempt under the small-rental thresholds noted above.

• No Chesterfield-specific STR rules identified in the provided sources

  • If local ordinances exist, they would be issued by Chesterfield County or the Town of Chesterfield and may cover permits, safety standards, occupancy, parking, and local taxes.

• Insurance

  • Commercial general liability insurance is the recommended standard for STRs in South Carolina; many SC municipalities require minimums such as $1,000,000 per occurrence.

Contact information (STR-related authorities)

• South Carolina Department of Revenue (tax registration, filings)
  • Phone: (844) 898-8542
  • Website: dor.sc.gov
• Chesterfield County (general zoning, permits, business licenses; verify current phone)
  • Planning & Zoning: (843) 623-8200
  • Business License/Tax: (843) 623-2595
  • County website: chesterfieldcountysc.org
• Town of Chesterfield (municipal permits/licensing if applicable; verify current phone)
  • Town Hall: (843) 623-2647
• South Carolina Real Estate Commission (for property manager rules/trust accounts)
  • Website: llr.sc.gov/real

Links to source pages

• Steadily: Airbnb & Short Term Rental Laws and Regulations in South Carolina — www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-south-carolina
• Dieter Company: South Carolina Vacation Rental Act — www.dietercompany.com/south-carolina-vacation-rental-act/

Notes and risk considerations

• The sources do not include Chesterfield-specific STR zoning or permitting details. Confirm local rules with the county or town before investing.
• Local accommodations taxes, business license requirements, and safety standards can vary; verify locally.
• If you sell a property with upcoming reservations, the Vacation Rental Act imposes specific disclosure and honor-period obligations to protect tenants and avoid litigation.