A luxury mountain home in Incline Village overlooking Lake Tahoe, representing Incline Village homes for sale affected by STR rules.

Incline Village STR Rules — What Homeowners Need to Know

Lake Tahoe Cole Mizak October 25, 2025

By Cole Mizak, Incline Village Realtor | Compass Real Estate

If you’re considering buying or currently own a property in Incline Village, you’ve probably heard the term “STR” — short-term rental. As an Incline Village real estate agent working with clients across Lake Tahoe, I can tell you: understanding local STR rules is essential if you want to rent your property legally and avoid costly surprises.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know heading into 2025.

✅ What Is Considered an STR in Incline Village?

In Washoe County (which includes Incline Village), an STR is defined as any residential unit rented for fewer than 28 consecutive days. This includes vacation rentals listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, or directly through property managers.

If you plan to rent out your home — even just a few weekends a year — you need a permit.

📋 Incline Village STR Rules at a Glance (2025 Update)

Here are the current key regulations affecting Incline Village homes for sale being used as STRs:

STR Permit Required: You must apply with Washoe County and renew annually.
Occupancy Limits: Capped at 2 people per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests.
Parking Restrictions: One off-street parking spot per 4 guests required.
Local Contact Requirement: You must designate a local contact within 30 minutes of the property.
Fire & Safety Inspections: Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and exit plans are mandatory.
Noise & Complaint Tracking: A 24/7 hotline is in place. Repeated violations can result in suspension or revocation.

🚫 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

As an Incline Village realtor, I’ve seen homeowners run into issues because they:

Rent without a valid STR permit
Fail fire inspections due to outdated alarms
Exceed guest capacity during holidays
Don’t inform neighbors (which often leads to complaints)

Avoid these missteps. The fines — and reputational damage — aren’t worth it.

💡 Thinking About Buying an STR-Eligible Home in Incline Village?

Not all Incline Village homes for sale are suitable for STR use. Some HOAs strictly prohibit short-term rentals, while others allow them but with specific restrictions. That’s why working with a knowledgeable Incline Village real estate agent like myself can save you major headaches — and money.

At Compass, I help buyers navigate the STR landscape and find investment-friendly properties that meet your goals and comply with county rules.

🏡 Incline Village Real Estate Tip: STR Potential Boosts Property Value

If a home is STR-permitted and in a high-demand location (near the lake or Diamond Peak), it often commands a premium price. That’s why understanding STR rules is just as important as knowing market trends when evaluating a purchase.

Looking for Incline Village homes for sale with strong rental potential? Let’s talk strategy.