Rental Types

Compare Rental Types and Requirements

See what’s allowed, what permits you need, and how regulations differ across rental durations.

Short-term rental

Allowed with permit

Under 30 nights

Airbnb, VRBO, direct booking

Permit required

Type 1 or Type 2 STR Licence

Type 1 = owner-occupied · Type 2 = non-owner-occupied

90-night annual cap for non-primary residences in restricted zones

Licence number must appear on all listing platforms

Max occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional

Need the full application walkthrough?

Get your STR licence

Mid-term rental

Generally allowed

30–365 nights

Furnished monthly stays

Permit required

No STR permit needed

Standard residential tenancy law applies · Written lease recommended

No annual night cap or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax — meaningfully lower tax burden

Landlord-tenant rights apply — deposit, habitability, and notice obligations

Mid-term is lower friction. Get the basics right.

Get Property Report

Long-term rental

Fully allowed

12-month lease

Standard residential

Permit required

None — standard residential use

Residential Property Code governs · No STR obligations

No permits, night caps, or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax obligations

Standard habitability, notice, and deposit rules apply

taxes

What Applies and Who Handles It

Understand which taxes apply, who collects them, and what you’re responsible for, especially when handling direct bookings.

STATE

Hotel Occupancy Tax

Collected by

Airbnb, VRBO

Who files

Platform on your behalf

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

County

County HOT

Collected by

Platform or operator

Direct bookings

You must register & file

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

CITY

City hOT

Collected by

Platform or operator

Filing frequency

Monthly

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

Combined total

All taxes, all levels

17%

OTA bookings

Platforms handle state portion

Direct bookings

You collect & file all three

Mid / Long-term

No HOT applies

Direct bookings mean three separate filings

Miss one and you're exposed. Lodge Compliance helps you automates all three

Automate Taxes Now

FAQs & Guides

Common Question From Operators

Clear answers to help you understand what’s required, and a straightforward way to get it done.

Let's Get You Compliant

How do I register my property as an STR in Texas?

Do I need a permit for mid-term rentals in Texas?

How do I handle taxes if I take direct bookings?

What happens if I don't comply?

Overview

Sri Lanka, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide. Popular destinations such as Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Ella have seen a significant rise in short-term rentals, often referred to as holiday homes or vacation rentals. These accommodations offer visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to stay in unique properties ranging from beachfront villas to quaint mountain cottages.

In 2023, the short-term rental market in Sri Lanka made a substantial impact on the country's economy, generating impressive revenue for the government. The growth of this sector has been fueled by platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, where these holiday homes and vacation rentals are prominently listed. This thriving market not only boosts tourism but also provides local property owners with lucrative income opportunities, contributing to the overall development of the country's hospitality industry.

Overview

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