The City of Richmond today announced that, through a targeted effort to increase compliance in the short-term rental industry, the Department of Finance has collected approximately $5.6 million in outstanding taxes. Moving forward, the City expects to generate approximately $2 million in additional annual revenue as a result of these efforts. 

“I’m so proud of the work the Department of Finance has done to not only bring folks into compliance but to make sure the City collects the revenue we’re owed. Every dollar counts, and this is a lot of dollars. When I say we’ve got to ‘Look For It, Find It, Fix It’, this is exactly what I’m talking about!” said Mayor Danny Avula.

A comprehensive review conducted by the Department of Finance’s Revenue Administration Division at the end of 2025 identified non-compliance among some STR market participants, dating back to July 2023. Following the review, the City worked with impacted entities to obtain business records, assess outstanding liabilities, and bring accounts into compliance.  

“A key theme across the City is ensuring the equitable distribution of tax burden balanced by improved collection rates that ultimately fund the services our residents rely on,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “Looking for issues, finding them, and fixing them serve as the cornerstone of the Administration’s focus on building a thriving City Hall that works for everyone. This work is one of many examples of the fruit born from a continuously improving well-run Finance Department that is committed to that vision.” 

The City will continue proactive enforcement measures across the STR industry to ensure all participants meet licensing, reporting, and tax obligations. These efforts include: 

• Reviewing licensed participants in the STR industry and investigating unlicensed participants 
• Requiring unlicensed participants to comply with licensing requirements and resolve outstanding liabilities  
• Establishing structured timelines for repayment where necessary  
• Continuing to enforce compliance through levies, garnishments, and other legal actions when warranted  

"Bringing taxpayers into compliance is a challenging effort. The results of this immediate effort reflect the time spent by the Revenue team in one specific area. The Revenue team will continue the work in other areas, in addition to STRs, but these results are a great start in that journey," said Ken Martinez Director of Revenue Administration. 

More on the Transit Occupancy Short-Term Rental Tax 

Under Richmond’s Transient Occupancy Short-Term Rental Tax framework, responsibility for collecting and remitting taxes depends on how a rental transaction is facilitated: 

• Accommodations intermediaries — third-party platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo—are responsible for collecting, filing, and remitting tax on transactions they facilitate  
• Accommodations providers — property owners or operators are responsible when transactions occur outside an intermediary platform  

Richmond’s Transient Occupancy Tax is assessed at 8% of the total room charge. 

Resources

Avula Administration’s Focused Collection Effort on Short Term Rentals , Memo from CAO Odie Donald II to City Council; May 14, 2026  

The City of Richmond will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. All city offices, including City Hall, will be closed. We will return to our regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26.  

For the full city holiday calendar, please visit the Holiday Closings page .   

• There will be no trash collection or bulk and brush collection on Monday, May 25. All collections will be delayed by one day. Collections scheduled for pick-up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday and so on through Friday, May 29.  
• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be closed on Saturday, May 23, and Monday, May 25. ERRCC will reopen on Tuesday, May 26. 
• Recycling services will be closed on Monday, May 25. All collections will be delayed by until the next day, with any Friday collections taking place on Saturday. For more information on recycling, visit cvwma.com.   
• All Richmond Public Libraries are closed on Monday, May 25 and will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.   
• RVA311 will be open Saturday, May 23, and will be closed on May 25. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311.com and mobile apps. 
• All Richmond Public Schools and RPS offices are closed on Monday, May 25.  
• All Parks and Recreation offices and community centers are closed Monday, May 25. Randolph, Blackwell, Fairmount, and Battery Park Pools will operate 1 - 7 pm Saturday through Monday. 
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed Monday, May 25. For utility emergencies, customers should call 804-646-4646 and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
• Richmond Animal Care and Control will be closed on Monday, May 25. RACC will reopen by appointment only on Tuesday, May 26, and will have regular walk-in hours on Wednesday, May 27. 

The Richmond Police Department is advising residents and visitors of multiple road closures and no parking zones in effect for Dominion Energy Riverrock, taking place Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, 2026.

To ensure public safety and support event operations, the following areas will be affected:

Road Closures & No Parking Zones:

Friday, May 15 at 10 am - Sunday, May 17 at 7 pm:

300-500 Blk. S. 5th Street between Bragg & Tredegar Street

100-600 Blk. Tredegar Street between Dominion Energy Entrance & S. 10th Street

Brown’s Island Way between S. 2nd & Tredegar Street between N. 7th & 9th Street

Friday, May 15 at 3 pm - Sunday, May 17 at 7 pm:

200-300 Blk. S. 5th Street between E. Canal & Bragg Street

500-600 Blk. Bragg Street between S. 5th & 7th Street

Maps of these areas can be located on the City's social media accounts. 

Towing Enforcement:

No parking zones will be actively enforced. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed.

Plan Ahead:

Please allow extra time for travel and consider using public transportation or ride-share services when attending the event.

The Richmond Police Department will be on-site throughout the weekend to assist with traffic flow and help ensure a safe event for all attendees.

For more information about Dominion Energy Riverrock, visit www.riverrockrva.com.

The City of Richmond Department of Finance has announced in-person assistance for residents that wish to apply to the Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) Real Estate Tax Relief Program.

The OAPD Real Estate Tax Relief Program helps qualifying older adults and residents with disabilities reduce or freeze their real estate tax burden. Eligible applicants may receive up to 100 percent tax relief depending on income qualifications and program eligibility. 

City staff are available to help residents complete application forms, answer questions about required documentation, and explain available relief options. Assistance is available at designated outreach locations throughout Richmond as well as Monday - Friday at the Department of Finance located at 900 E. Broad Street, Room 103 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“Many residents qualify for this important program but may need help understanding the application process,” said Ken Martinez, Director of Revenue. “We encourage eligible homeowners and their families to take advantage of the City’s in-person assistance services.”

Applicants are encouraged to bring supporting documentation, including income statements, tax documents, bank statements, and proof of disability if applicable.

Assistance Locations

The City strongly encourages applicants to submit completed applications and supporting documentation by September 30 to ensure approved relief is reflected on the following year’s real estate tax bill. The final filing deadline is December 31. 

Residents seeking additional information about eligibility requirements, forms, or assistance options can visit the official OAPD program webpage at https://rva.gov/finance/oapd-relief.

For questions or to request assistance, residents may contact RVA311 at (804) 646-7000 or submit a request online through www.rva311.com.