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Simpsonville Today
By the People, for the People
Greenville County explores short-term rental rules
County leaders consider regulations for Airbnb, VRBO properties in unincorporated areas
Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:22am
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Greenville County, South Carolina is taking a closer look at short-term rental (STR) properties like Airbnb and VRBO, considering if they should be regulated in unincorporated areas of the county. Residents, particularly in the Paris Mountain area, have raised concerns about noise, extra cars, and late-night parties at rental properties. In response, the county council formed a temporary committee to study short-term rentals and recommend rules if necessary.
Why it matters
Many cities in the area already have rules governing short-term rentals, but county regulations may need a different approach since the unincorporated areas differ from the city. The county is also exploring whether it's missing out on significant accommodations tax revenue from the short-term rental market.
The details
According to a report from the destination marketing agency VisitGreenvilleSC, nearly 2,000 short-term rentals are operating in the county, with two-thirds being 2+ bedroom units. Over the past four years, STRs have generated about $25 million annually, accounting for nearly 10% of the county's lodging revenue. The report also showed STRs provide more lodging options during peak travel seasons and see a noticeable increase in demand around holidays. However, only about one-third of rentable units, mainly studios and one-bedroom properties, compete with hotels.
- The county council formed a temporary committee to study short-term rentals in response to resident concerns.
- The committee is expected to meet again in April to continue their work.
The players
Curt McGahhey
A Greenville County Councilman who said residents, particularly in the Paris Mountain area, have raised concerns about noise, extra cars, and late-night parties at rental properties.
Heath Dillard
The CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, the destination marketing agency that presented a short-term rental supply and trend report to the county council.
What they’re saying
“We realized we may have a problem here.”
— Curt McGahhey, Greenville County Councilman
“The case is if there is a revenue source that will come from people visiting Greenville, we need to explore that.”
— Curt McGahhey, Greenville County Councilman
“We're not trying to get out there and regulate and crush small business for someone that's trying to have a side hustle of a short-term rental. What we're trying to do is make sure that short-term rental is used appropriately and the people around it aren't hurt by those people using it as a short-term rental.”
— Curt McGahhey, Greenville County Councilman
What’s next
The committee is expected to meet again in April to continue their work on potential short-term rental regulations for unincorporated areas of Greenville County.
The takeaway
Greenville County is proactively examining the impact of short-term rentals in its unincorporated areas, balancing the potential revenue benefits with the need to protect residential quality of life. Their findings could shape future policies that address the unique challenges facing the county, rather than simply adopting city-based rules.
