Thinking about buying a condo you can rent nightly in Teton Village? You are not alone. The village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort draws year-round travelers who value lift access, mountain amenities, and a polished resort experience. In this guide, you will learn how to evaluate buildings and HOA rules, navigate permits and taxes, budget for operations, and set up a rental home guests love. Let’s dive in.
Why Teton Village works
Teton Village is its own lodging market within greater Jackson Hole. Proximity to lifts and ski-in/ski-out access are the biggest drivers of demand for short-term rental condos. Winter is the peak season for rate and occupancy, while summer stays are strong for hiking, biking, and park access.
Visitor stays often range from quick winter weekends to multi-week summer trips. This mix creates a healthy market for well-run condos. Wyoming does not levy a personal income tax, which can influence your after-tax returns. You still need to comply with all lodging and sales tax rules for rentals in Teton County and the State of Wyoming.
Know the rules first
Before you underwrite a unit, confirm that short-term rentals are allowed and that you can comply with local requirements. The most common deal breaker is an HOA that limits or prohibits nightly rentals.
Zoning and permits
- Verify the property’s zoning and permitted uses with Teton County Planning & Development.
- Ask whether the county requires STR registration or permits, and whether inspections or annual renewals apply to your building.
- Confirm any operating rules such as occupancy limits, quiet hours, parking protocols, or trash guidelines.
Taxes and lodging compliance
- Find out what lodging or occupancy taxes apply to your rental type, and whether you must register with the county or state tax authority.
- Clarify who collects and remits taxes. In some cases, platforms handle certain taxes. In other cases, your manager or you must do it.
Insurance and safety
- Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rentals. You will likely need a short-term rental endorsement or a hospitality policy.
- Check HOA and county safety requirements. Fire and life safety features, smoke and CO detectors, and clear egress can be required for short-term lodging.
HOA and building checks
Your HOA is the gatekeeper for rental success. Always review CC&Rs, bylaws, and meeting minutes before you make an offer.
Rental policy and models
- Confirm whether nightly rentals are permitted. Some HOAs set minimum stays, caps on the number of rentable units, or blackout dates.
- Ask if the HOA requires participation in a rental pool or a designated on-site manager. This can shape both guest experience and your net income.
Fees and reserves
- Request current HOA dues and a list of what they cover, such as heat, water, trash, snow removal, building insurance, common-area staffing, and amenities.
- Review the reserve study and any special assessment history. A well-funded reserve reduces the risk of surprise costs that can affect returns.
- If the building runs an in-house rental program, understand any administration fees and how revenue is distributed.
Amenities that drive demand
- Guests in a resort condo expect helpful services. A staffed front desk, concierge, shuttle, ski lockers, hot tubs, and reliable high-speed internet can support higher nightly rates.
- Ask how front desk staffing changes by season and how late check-ins and security are handled.
- Check parking policies, snow removal plans, elevator reliability, and waste handling. Winter operations matter in a mountain climate.
Unit features that book
- Review any required furnishing standards or replacement cycles for units in the rental program.
- Full kitchens widen your audience but increase wear. Bedding configurations that maximize comfort for families and small groups often perform well.
- Confirm occupancy limits set by the HOA and local code.
House rules to note
- Quiet hours, smoking policies, trash protocols, and pet rules can influence your target guest profile and pricing.
- Understand how the HOA enforces violations, including fines or temporary rental suspensions.
Operations and revenue
Success in Teton Village comes from pairing the right property with strong operations. Seasonality, pricing, and on-the-ground service all shape performance.
Seasonality and metrics
- Key metrics include Average Daily Rate, Occupancy, and Revenue per Available Unit. Track gross revenue and your net operating income after all fees.
- Expect the highest rates and occupancy in winter. Summer demand is meaningful but depends on event calendars, national park visitation, and your listing strategy.
Management options
- Self-manage if you want full control and lower recurring fees. You handle guest communication, check-in, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Hire a local full-service manager for on-the-ground support, housekeeping, maintenance, and market-specific pricing. Fees vary by service level and contract terms.
- Consider a hybrid model. You can manage marketing and bookings while outsourcing turnovers and guest support to local vendors.
Budgeting for costs
- Plan for management fees, housekeeping, linens, utilities, HOA dues, special assessments, routine maintenance, and reserves for capital items.
- Include insurance premiums for STR coverage, platform or credit card fees, and tax administration costs.
- Model conservative occupancy for shoulder months, and set aside funds for winter-related maintenance.
Guest expectations
- Smooth, reliable check-in is key. A staffed front desk or well-designed self check-in builds trust.
- Guests expect spotless spaces, quality linens, accurate listings, fast internet, and quick support if something goes wrong.
- Clear house rules and a concise welcome packet reduce complaints and improve reviews.
Risk management
- Protect yourself with the right insurance, guest rules, and documented procedures.
- Plan for disruptions. Think through cancellation and refund policies, late-season storms, or travel delays that can extend stays.
Due diligence checklist
Use this short list when you evaluate a specific condo in Teton Village.
- Regulatory checks
- Verify zoning and permitted uses with Teton County Planning & Development.
- Ask about STR permits or registrations, inspections, and renewals.
- Confirm lodging and sales tax collection and remittance with the county and state.
- HOA and building review
- Obtain CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, and recent HOA meeting minutes.
- Review the HOA budget, reserve study, and special assessment history.
- Confirm the written rental policy: allowed lease terms, caps, registration steps, required insurance, and any rental pool mandates.
- Ask for average dues and what they include.
- Financial and operations
- Request rental history for the unit or comparable units by month, including ADR and occupancy.
- Build a conservative pro forma that includes all operating costs and reserves.
- Get quotes from multiple local managers for comparable service levels.
- Physical and guest experience
- Confirm ski access, shuttle details, ski storage, parking, and common-area condition.
- Evaluate the unit layout, furnishings, and equipment needs.
- Review snow removal, waste collection, and storm readiness.
- Insurance and legal
- Obtain quotes for STR coverage with liability, contents, and loss-of-income protection.
- Consult a local attorney if CC&Rs or county rules are unclear.
- Pre-listing readiness
- Complete safety requirements and inspections.
- Create a welcome packet with rules, parking, trash, and local contacts.
- Secure housekeeping and maintenance vendors with clear turnaround times.
- Decide on your distribution strategy and dynamic pricing approach.
What strong listings share
A top-performing Teton Village rental tends to have a walkable or direct connection to lifts, a clear sleeping layout, high-quality photos, and honest descriptions. Amenities like hot tubs, gear storage, and parking are clearly shown and easy to use. The listing updates pricing for holidays and events, and the calendar stays accurate.
If your building has a staffed desk and shuttle, highlight those features. If you self check-in, make it simple with clear directions and local contacts for support. Over time, invest in thoughtful upgrades that guests notice, such as premium bedding, durable flooring, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Work with a local partner
Buying a short-term rental condo in Teton Village is equal parts lifestyle and business. You deserve a seamless process that covers the property search, HOA and regulatory reviews, and day-to-day operations after closing. With deep local expertise, luxury marketing reach, and an integrated property management channel, you can step into ownership with clarity and confidence.
If you are ready to explore short-term rental condos near the lifts, connect with Jake Kilgrow for a private consult and a tailored list of HOA-approved options.
FAQs
What makes Teton Village ideal for short-term rentals?
- Lift access, ski-in/ski-out options, and resort amenities drive high winter demand, with meaningful summer stays for outdoor recreation.
Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Teton Village?
- You should confirm with Teton County Planning & Development whether STR registration, permits, inspections, or renewals apply to your building and unit.
Are nightly rentals allowed in every Teton Village condo building?
- No. HOA CC&Rs and bylaws vary widely. Always confirm written rules, any rental caps, minimum stays, and required rental program participation before you buy.
What taxes apply to a Teton Village short-term rental?
- Expect lodging and sales taxes, and confirm who collects and remits them. Wyoming does not have a personal income tax, but lodging and sales taxes still apply.
Should I self-manage or hire a local manager in Teton Village?
- It depends on your time and service goals. Local managers provide on-the-ground support and market expertise, while self-management reduces fees but increases workload.
What HOA documents should I review before making an offer?
- Obtain CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, recent meeting minutes, the current budget, reserve study, and any rental program rules, including fees and standards.
