Ever sold a beach rental only to realize the bookings do not move with the keys? You are not alone. If you own a short-term rental in Wrightsville Beach, a smooth sale means protecting your guests, your payout, and your reputation. In this guide, you will learn how platforms actually work, what to put in your contract, and how to handle local taxes so you transfer bookings the right way. Let’s dive in.
Know what you can transfer
Most booking platforms do not let you push a button and move reservations to a new owner. According to host reports and consumer advocacy coverage, there is no universal reservation transfer feature, so you need a clear plan for each booking and channel. This overview of what happens when a vacation home is sold explains why you must coordinate carefully to avoid penalties and guest disruption.
Your three workable paths
- Seller honors the stays. You keep the listing active and host of record for those dates, then settle payouts with the buyer per your contract.
- Platform-backed cancellations. Seller cancels and the platform refunds the guest, sometimes without penalties when a verified sale is involved. Guests then rebook on the buyer’s new listing. Policies vary by platform.
- Mutual cancel and rebook. Seller and buyer coordinate with each guest to cancel and rebook under the buyer’s listing. This takes time and clear messaging to avoid confusion.
Wrightsville Beach rules and taxes
North Carolina limits how towns regulate short-term rentals. Whole-home vacation rentals in beach towns often operate without special permits, although zoning and nuisance rules still apply. Review the legal context in the UNC School of Government’s guide and always verify current town policies before you close. Read the NC municipal overview. Wrightsville Beach has discussed STR rules in recent years, so stay current on local conversations. See local reporting on prior discussions.
For taxes, New Hanover County imposes a room occupancy tax that has historically been 6 percent of gross receipts for short stays, and North Carolina state and local sales tax applies on top. Local reporting confirms the occupancy tax framework in the county. Review occupancy tax background. Returns are typically filed monthly, and you should register and confirm deadlines using the county’s forms and portal. Access county applications and forms. In your contract, spell out who remits taxes for stays that cross the closing date and how records will be shared.
Put it in the contract
Treat reservations and deposits like business assets and obligations. Larger hotel deals routinely assign bookings and prepaid guest funds at closing, which is a smart model for a single-home sale. See how hospitality contracts handle this in public filings. View example clauses.
Clauses to include
- Define Confirmed Bookings. List every reservation accepted before closing for dates after closing.
- Assign bookings and deposits. Either credit the buyer at closing for all pre-collected funds or set a written schedule for forwarding payouts.
- Use an escrow or holdback. Cover refunds or damage claims for a short post-closing window.
- Require platform cooperation. Seller provides proof of sale and helps notify platforms and guests in writing.
- Allocate taxes. State who files and pays room-occupancy and sales taxes for stays that straddle closing.
- Include indemnities. Seller protects buyer from undisclosed pre-closing liabilities.
- Address property management. Assign the management agreement or set a short transition plan.
Step-by-step timeline
Before you list
- Export a clean inventory of all bookings, payments, and guest contacts with screenshots and confirmation numbers.
- Talk to your platforms and property manager about sale scenarios and what documents they require for penalty-free cancellations.
- Draft contract language for booking assignment, deposits, taxes, escrow, and communications.
Two to four weeks before closing
- Choose your operational model: seller honors, platform-backed cancellations, or mutual cancel and rebook.
- Prepare guest messages and send updates through the platform’s messaging system, not by text or email alone.
- Buyer sets up host accounts and verifies identity with each platform to avoid post-closing delays.
Day of closing
- Exchange the final booking ledger and deposit records. Apply credits or fund escrow per the contract.
- Notify platforms with proof of sale and open support tickets as needed.
- Hand off access codes, cleaners, and emergency contacts. Align check-in instructions for upcoming guests.
Guest communications that work
Clear, platform-based messages prevent confusion and scams. Send short notes from the host account that confirm the plan and provide next steps. Avoid asking guests to cancel on their own or to pay off-platform, which is a red flag. Community reports show why this matters. See guest scam cautions.
Buyer checklist for a smooth handoff
- Open host accounts with Airbnb, Vrbo, and any channel manager. Expect verification time.
- Confirm zoning, HOA covenants, and any enforcement history that could affect rentals. Review the NC municipal overview.
- Register for county filings and confirm how you will report room-occupancy tax after closing. Use county forms and portal.
- Line up insurance, cleaners, and local contacts to support immediate upcoming stays.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Asking guests to cancel and rebook off-platform. Keep all changes inside the platform and use official channels. See scam cautions.
- Losing listing history and reviews. Most platforms do not migrate reviews automatically. Plan for the value impact and ask support only if needed. Read host experiences.
- Unclear security deposits or damage claims. Define who owns open claims, and how to handle them. Review Airbnb’s policy for context. Check Airbnb’s deposit guidance.
- Tax surprises. Allocate room-occupancy and sales taxes for straddle stays in the contract and verify county filings. Access county resources.
Quick checklist
- Export every future booking with payment status and screenshots.
- Choose your transfer model and write it into the contract.
- Assign bookings and deposits or credit them at closing.
- Set escrow to cover refunds and claims for a short window.
- Coordinate platform notifications and guest messaging.
- Confirm county tax filings before and after closing.
Ready to sell or buy in Wrightsville Beach?
You deserve a smooth handoff that protects your guests and your bottom line. If you are weighing offers, planning guest communications, or deciding how to handle deposits and taxes, you do not have to do it alone. Let a local, hands-on advisor guide each step and keep your closing on track. Reach out to Renee W Reitzel to plan a seamless transfer and a confident sale.
FAQs
How do you handle Airbnb reservations when selling a Wrightsville Beach rental?
- Airbnb does not offer a simple reservation transfer. You either honor existing stays, cancel with platform approval tied to a documented sale, or coordinate rebookings. Review deposit and damage processes here: Airbnb help on deposits.
Who pays New Hanover County room-occupancy tax if a stay crosses closing?
- Decide in the purchase agreement who files and remits taxes for straddle stays, share records at closing, and register with the county for filings. Use the county forms and portal: New Hanover applications and forms.
Do you need a special Wrightsville Beach permit for short-term rentals?
- North Carolina limits local STR registration programs, but towns can regulate through zoning and nuisance rules. Verify current town policy and HOA rules before closing. Learn the NC context: UNC School of Government overview.
What happens to security deposits and damage claims after a sale?
Will reviews move to the new owner’s listing on Vrbo or Airbnb?
- Usually not. Reviews and host metrics are tied to the original account. Expect to start fresh or request rare exceptions that take time. See host experiences: Review migration discussions.
