Overview: Short-Term Rental Allowance in Murrells Inlet

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The community operates under Georgetown County's regulatory framework rather than having its own municipal ordinances. Georgetown County considers short-term rentals (properties rented for less than 30 days) as a type of residential use and does not require special permits for their operation.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Murrells Inlet

Essential Steps for Launch

1. Verify Community Restrictions: Review your Homeowners Association (HOA) or Planned Unit Development (PUD) governing documents, as some communities may impose restrictions on short-term rentals despite county allowances.

2. Obtain Required Business License: Secure a business license from Georgetown County for your short-term rental operation.

3. Register for Tax Collection: Enroll with both state and local authorities to collect and remit accommodations taxes from guests.

4. Establish Guest Management Systems: Implement booking management, guest communication, and property maintenance protocols.

5. Secure Appropriate Insurance: Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes business activities, so obtain specialized short-term rental insurance coverage.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

County-Level Requirements

• Business License: Required from Georgetown County for all short-term rental operations
• Tax Registration: Must register with South Carolina Department of Revenue for state accommodations tax collection
• Local Tax Registration: Register with Georgetown County for local accommodations tax collection

State-Level Documentation

Under South Carolina's Vacation Rental Act, operators must maintain:

• Written rental agreements for all bookings
• Guest registration records
• Tax collection and remittance documentation
• Property disclosure requirements during any property sales

Insurance Requirements

While Georgetown County doesn't mandate specific insurance coverage, property owners should secure:

• Commercial general liability insurance
• Short-term rental property coverage
• Business income protection
• Guest-caused damage coverage

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Georgetown County Regulations

Georgetown County maintains a relatively permissive regulatory environment for short-term rentals:

• No Special Permits Required: Short-term rentals are treated as residential use
• No Occupancy Restrictions: County does not impose guest limits
• No Minimum Stay Requirements: Operators can set their own minimum stay policies

Potential Community-Level Restrictions

Individual communities within Georgetown County may impose additional restrictions through:

• HOA covenants and restrictions
• PUD development agreements
• Neighborhood-specific guidelines

State-Level Regulations

South Carolina Vacation Rental Act Requirements:

• Properties rented for less than 90 days fall under vacation rental definitions
• Mandatory written rental agreements for all bookings
• Required property disclosures during sales transactions
• Compliance with state tax collection requirements

Tax Obligations

State Taxes:

• State Accommodations Tax: 7% on gross rental receipts
• Sales Tax: 6% on applicable services and amenities

Local Taxes:

• Georgetown County Accommodations Tax: Varies by specific rate
• Business License Tax: Annual fee based on business gross receipts

Property Tax Considerations:

• Primary residences rented 15-72 days annually: Maintain 4% residential assessment
• Primary residences rented under 14 days annually: Maintain 4% residential assessment with tax exemptions
• Investment properties: Subject to 6% commercial assessment rate

Fire Safety and Building Code Compliance

Properties must maintain compliance with:

• South Carolina Building Code requirements
• Local fire safety ordinances
• Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector requirements
• Emergency egress standards

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Georgetown County Planning Department

Primary Authority for Short-Term Rentals

• Address: Georgetown County Administration Building, Georgetown, SC
• General Information: Contact county offices for current regulations and permit requirements
• Website: Georgetown County official website (specific contact details not provided in source materials)

South Carolina Department of Revenue

Tax Registration and Compliance

• Website: dor.sc.gov
• Purpose: State accommodations tax registration and remittance

Georgetown County Business License Department

Business Licensing Requirements

• Purpose: Business license applications and renewals
• Contact: Georgetown County administrative offices

Potential Legislative Changes

Investors should monitor South Carolina House Bill H.3253, which proposes to:

• Prohibit local governments from completely banning short-term rentals
• Impose financial penalties on municipalities that restrict rental operations
• Provide greater statewide protection for short-term rental operators

Important Considerations for Investors

Due Diligence Requirements

1. Community Covenant Review: Thoroughly examine all HOA or PUD restrictions before investing
2. Insurance Gap Analysis: Ensure coverage adequately protects against short-term rental-specific risks
3. Tax Compliance Setup: Establish systems for proper tax collection and remittance
4. Local Market Analysis: Understand seasonal demand patterns and competitive landscape

Risk Management Strategies

• Maintain comprehensive guest screening procedures
• Implement property monitoring and maintenance protocols
• Establish 24/7 guest communication systems
• Create detailed house rules and guest guidelines
• Develop relationships with local service providers

Financial Planning Considerations

• Budget for higher property tax assessments on investment properties
• Account for all applicable state and local taxes
• Plan for seasonal revenue fluctuations
• Consider professional property management costs

Links to Source Pages

1. STR Profit Map - Murrells Inlet Regulations: www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/SC/murrells-inlet
2. FirstService Residential - South Carolina Short-Term Rentals: www.fsresidential.com/south-carolina/news-events/articles/what-are-south-carolina-short-term-rentals/
3. Proper Insurance - South Carolina Airbnb Laws: www.proper.insure/regulations/south-carolina-airbnb-laws/
4. STR Profit Map - South Carolina State Regulations: www.strprofitmap.com/regulations/SC
5. Municipal Association of South Carolina - Short-Term Rental Guide: www.masc.sc/uptown/03-2017/short-guide-short-term-rentals

Disclaimer

Short-term rental regulations are subject to change, and this guide reflects information available as of the current date. Always verify current requirements with Georgetown County officials, review community-specific restrictions, and consult with legal and tax professionals before making investment decisions. The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals continues to evolve, and staying informed about local, county, and state-level changes is essential for successful operations.