What owners ask first.
Straight answers.
Do I really need a license to operate a short-term rental?+
In nearly every U.S. jurisdiction, yes. Operating without proper licensing exposes you to fines from $500 to $10,000 per day, property liens, and forced shutdown. Most platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) increasingly require proof of licensing.
How long does the licensing process take?+
Most filings complete in 14–45 days depending on the jurisdiction. Some markets (Hawaii, certain California cities) can take 60–90 days due to caps and waitlists. We provide a written timeline as part of your roadmap.
What does it cost?+
Pricing is custom-quoted after your free consultation because every property is different — zoning complexity, number of permits, HOA review, and ongoing renewal needs all factor in. Expect a flat fee per filing plus optional renewal management.
Are you a law firm?+
No. 5-Stars Licensing is an administrative concierge service. We navigate licensing, permitting, and registration processes — we do not provide legal advice. For legal questions, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney.
What if my HOA prohibits STRs?+
We audit HOA covenants before you spend on permits or marketing. If STRs are prohibited, we tell you immediately — and where possible, advise on amendment paths or compliant alternatives.
Do you handle violation notices?+
Yes. Our Violation Resolution service is designed for owners who've already been cited. We work to bring the property into compliance and, where possible, reduce penalties.
Do you cover all 50 states?+
Yes. Our team handles licensing nationwide. State pages cover our most-requested markets in detail; for any state not yet listed, your consultation will surface a personalized roadmap.
What happens after my permits are filed?+
You're cleared to operate, and (if enrolled) we manage your annual renewals — tracking deadlines, re-filing, and updating tax registrations so you never accidentally fall out of compliance.
Still have questions?