Short-Term Rental Rules and Compliance Technology
Isle of Palms Rental Rules
Isle of Palms requires a short-term rental business licence to rent a home for any length of time. Isle of Palms single-family homes must be rented whole, not by the room. Isle of Palms requires a 24-hour phone number and an owner or representative who can be on site within one hour. Isle of Palms requires the City's written notice to be posted in the rental at all times.
Isle of Palms limits overnight occupancy to typically two people per bedroom plus two, up to 12, not counting children under two. Isle of Palms limits daytime occupancy to twice the overnight limit or 40 people including children, whichever is less. Isle of Palms limits vehicles from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. to the greater of one per bedroom or one per 2.5 overnight guests, with a minimum of two.
Isle of Palms can revoke a licence after five or more founded complaints of unlawful activity in a calendar year.
City of Charleston Rental Rules
The City of Charleston allows short-term rentals only in the owner's full-time primary residence with the 4 percent tax rate, except commercially zoned property in the rental overlay. Daniel Island, West Ashley, James Island and Johns Island are in the City of Charleston's Category III rental area.
In the City of Charleston the host need not be present but must be generally available, and the permit is renewed every year. The City of Charleston allows up to four adults overnight in a short-term rental. The City of Charleston requires one extra off-street parking space for the rental.
The City of Charleston revokes a rental permit after three findings of guilt in its Livability Court.
Folly Beach Rental Rules
Folly Beach issues Long Term, Owner Occupied Short Term, Investor Short Term and Provisional rental licences. Folly Beach requires a property to be rented at least 28 nights a year to keep its rental licence.
A Charleston County judge struck down Folly Beach's 800-licence cap and its registration fee on 14 August 2026; the city has appealed. Folly Beach approved a moratorium on new rental licences on 26 August 2026, with exceptions for renewals, waitlist offers and 72-day licences.
Equipment That Helps an Owner Meet the Rules
A doorbell intercom answered on a phone and remote unlock let a manager respond to a guest without driving over. Vehicle detections on a driveway camera show how many cars are at the property overnight. A decibel monitor that does not record reports noise building up before neighbours complain.
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Rules change; owners confirm current rules with the town before booking.