Thinking about turning your Pinehurst home into a short-term rental? You’re not alone. With golf tourism, event spikes, and steady leisure travel, it can be a compelling way to offset ownership costs or build investment income. In this guide, you’ll learn how Pinehurst’s rules work, what guests expect, how to price around big events, and the steps to launch safely and profitably. Let’s dive in.
Is a Pinehurst STR allowed?
Short-term rentals in the Village of Pinehurst are regulated. The Village adopted Ordinance #22-15 in 2022, and it set clear limits on where and how STRs can operate. Many properties that were already operating as STRs are allowed to continue as lawful nonconforming uses, but most new STRs in residential zones are restricted. Start by verifying your property’s status and your neighborhood’s rules.
Check zoning and past use
Begin with the Village’s STR information page. It explains where STRs are limited, how enforcement works, and key operational standards. Review it carefully and reach out to the Permit Center if you are unsure about your parcel or need guidance on next steps. You can find that information on the Village’s short-term rentals page at the Village website.
- Read the Village overview on STRs: Village of Pinehurst short-term rentals
If your home was operating as an STR within the 365 days before the ordinance took effect, it may qualify as a lawful nonconforming use. If it was not, STR use in most residential districts is generally not permitted. A limited exception allows up to 14 rental days in a calendar year without a development permit, which can help for occasional event or personal rentals.
Nonconforming Use Certificates
If your STR was established before the ordinance, ask the Village how to document it. In many cases, owners seek a Nonconforming Use Certificate to verify status. Under Village rules, these certificates generally transfer with the property when you sell, but you must maintain compliance to keep the status active.
Know the standards: occupancy, parking and safety
Pinehurst’s Development Ordinance includes special requirements that cover occupancy, parking, and life-safety items. While you should always verify the specifics in the code, common provisions include occupancy tied to bedrooms, parking minimums, and safety devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Posting house rules and emergency contacts is also standard.
- Review Pinehurst’s development standards for STRs: Pinehurst Development Ordinance, SR standards
The Village monitors online listings and enforces code and nuisance rules. Noncompliance can lead to fines, daily penalties, and loss of nonconforming status if use is discontinued or intensified beyond approved conditions.
- Learn how the Village enforces code: Code Enforcement in Pinehurst
State law: North Carolina Vacation Rental Act
If you operate a short-term rental, you must comply with state law in addition to local rules. North Carolina’s Vacation Rental Act sets baseline requirements for written vacation rental agreements, handling of advance payments, and tenant protections. Review the statute so your lease language and accounting practices align with state requirements.
- Read the statute: North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (Chapter 42A)
HOA and private covenants
Even if zoning allows STRs, your HOA or deed restrictions may not. Many communities set minimum lease terms or prohibit vacation rentals entirely. Before you list, review your recorded covenants, check with the HOA board, and consult an attorney if the language is unclear.
- Helpful overview: Vacation rentals and HOAs
Taxes you must plan for
Short-term stays in Moore County are typically subject to state and local sales tax plus a room occupancy tax. Moore County’s room occupancy tax increases to 6 percent effective January 1, 2026. Make sure your pricing and accounting reflect that date for stays beginning on or after it.
- County notice: Moore County occupancy tax increase to 6%
North Carolina also applies state sales tax and local sales tax. Moore County commonly has a combined sales tax near 7.00 percent. Some platforms collect certain taxes on your behalf in jurisdictions where they have agreements, but you remain responsible to ensure full compliance and remittance.
- Sales tax reference: Moore County, NC sales tax overview
Demand in Pinehurst: golf drives bookings
Pinehurst is a premier golf destination. It is also an official USGA anchor site, with multiple future championships on the schedule. Tournament weeks create extremely high demand and premium nightly rates, with teams, media, volunteers, and fans booking far in advance. Plan for longer minimum stays and special pricing around major championships.
- Event driver: USGA confirms Pinehurst as an anchor site
Outside championship windows, you can expect steady golf tourism, leisure trips to the Sandhills, small business travel, and regional events. Those segments tend to fill weekends and select midweeks. Keep an eye on the local event calendar and adjust your rates and minimums to capture peaks while staying competitive in shoulder seasons.
What guests expect in Pinehurst
Guests pick Pinehurst for golf and relaxation, but they still expect the basics to be flawless. Focus on comfort, clarity, and convenience.
- Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi with a clearly posted network and password
- Comfortable beds with quality linens and accurate sleeping counts
- A well-equipped kitchen and access to a washer and dryer
- Parking that matches your listing and local rules
- Clear check-in instructions, house rules, and a posted emergency contact
- Life-safety devices: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher
- Golf-friendly touches: secure club storage, a boot brush, and quick directions to resort areas
For more hosting fundamentals and setup ideas, review practical hosting tips: Short-term rental hosting checklist
Operations and costs to budget
Short-term rentals can perform well, but they require consistent systems and realistic budgeting. Build your pro forma with all the major cost buckets and a maintenance reserve.
- Taxes and registration. Budget for state and local sales tax plus Moore County’s room occupancy tax. Confirm what your platform collects and what you must remit.
- Cleaning and turnover. Price cleaning per stay based on property size and local cleaner rates. Include supplies and linen replacement.
- Maintenance and wear. Plan for HVAC service, exterior upkeep, and any amenities that require regular care.
- Insurance. Standard homeowner policies may exclude frequent short stays. Ask your insurance broker about a short-term rental endorsement or a commercial policy that matches your risk and any HOA or permit requirements.
Management options and fees
You can self-manage, use a hybrid marketing platform, or hire a full-service manager. Hybrid platforms that focus on marketing and booking support often charge lower percentages. Full-service firms that handle 24/7 guest support, housekeeping, maintenance coordination, and tax remittance typically charge more.
- Reference point: some hybrid plans are advertised near 10 to 15 percent, while many full-service managers in resort markets charge roughly 20 to 35 percent depending on scope. See example plan structures: Evolve plan overview
When you compare options, look beyond the fee. Confirm what is included, how guest issues are handled after hours, how damage claims are managed, and how taxes are reported. The right fit often comes down to reliability during peak event weeks.
Pricing around events
Dynamic pricing is essential in Pinehurst. Increase minimum stays and nightly rates during USGA championships and major events, and consider slightly longer minimums to reduce wear. Use a pricing tool or a professional revenue manager to respond to demand swings throughout the year. Keep your calendar updated early for tournament dates so you capture premium bookings before travelers commit elsewhere.
Pinehurst owner checklist: start to finish
Use this step-by-step list to move from idea to compliant launch.
Confirm zoning and status. Check whether your property is eligible as a short-term rental and whether it had lawful STR use before the 2022 ordinance. Start here: Village of Pinehurst short-term rentals
Document nonconforming use. If your property qualifies, ask the Village about a Nonconforming Use Certificate and keep records that show continuous use.
Review HOA and deed restrictions. Look for minimum lease terms or language that limits “business” or “commercial” use. Clarify with your HOA board or an attorney if needed.
Set up tax compliance. Register for any required state sales tax accounts and confirm how you will collect and remit Moore County’s room occupancy tax. Verify what your platform collects and what you must report.
Confirm insurance coverage. Ask your broker for a short-term rental endorsement or a policy designed for frequent guest stays. Keep proof of coverage in your files.
Prepare the property. Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, place a fire extinguisher, and post house rules plus emergency contacts near the entry. Match parking and occupancy limits to Pinehurst code.
Create your listing. Use clear photos, accurate sleeping counts, golf-friendly details, and honest parking notes. Set house rules that align with Village standards.
Choose a management model. Decide between DIY, a co-host, or a full-service manager. Build a conservative pro forma that includes taxes, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, platform fees, and any management fee.
Set pricing and policies. Use dynamic pricing, update rates for event weeks, and set minimum stays that balance revenue and property care.
Track performance and compliance. Keep booking, tax, and maintenance records. Revisit rates and policies seasonally and before major tournaments.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Listing before confirming compliance. Advertising an ineligible property can trigger enforcement actions and fines. See how Pinehurst enforces code: Code Enforcement in Pinehurst
- Misunderstanding taxes. Sales tax and occupancy tax apply to most short stays. Moore County’s room occupancy tax increases to 6 percent beginning January 1, 2026. Build it into your pricing and remittance schedule: Moore County occupancy tax increase
- Underinsuring. Confirm your policy covers frequent guest use and liability. Get coverage details in writing from your broker.
- Event-week missteps. Set higher minimums and confirm staffing for turnovers to protect your home and guest experience during peak weeks.
Ready to run the numbers?
If you want a straightforward view of whether a Pinehurst STR makes sense for your home, our team can help. We pair local market knowledge with disciplined systems, from buy and sell guidance to short-term rental setup and ongoing management through our in-house vacation rental operation. You get one accountable team that knows Pinehurst, understands the rules, and cares for your asset like it’s our own.
If you’re ready to map your options, contact Meese Property Group to Request a Personalized Consultation.
FAQs
Can I rent my Pinehurst home on Airbnb or VRBO?
- Maybe. Check your zoning and whether your home had lawful STR use prior to the 2022 ordinance; many existing STRs are grandfathered, but new STRs in most residential zones are restricted. Also confirm any HOA or deed limits.
What are Pinehurst’s occupancy and parking rules for STRs?
- Pinehurst’s Development Ordinance sets occupancy, parking, and safety standards for STRs. Review the SR standards and match your listing to those limits.
Do I need to collect taxes on short stays in Moore County?
- Yes. Expect state and local sales tax plus Moore County’s room occupancy tax, which increases to 6 percent on January 1, 2026. Verify what your platform collects and what you must remit.
How should I price my home during the U.S. Open?
- Demand spikes during USGA championships. Raise rates, increase minimum stays, and prepare for bookings far in advance. Dynamic pricing or professional revenue management can help you capture premiums.
Is professional management worth it in Pinehurst?
- It can be. Hybrid plans may charge around 10 to 15 percent for marketing support, while full-service management often ranges from 20 to 35 percent and includes guest support, housekeeping, and maintenance coordination. Compare net returns and included services before deciding.
