Short-Term Rental Regulations in New York (NY)
New York has a heavy level of short-term rental regulation. Significant restrictions. STR operators must register with the state. A license or permit is required. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. New York passed Local Law 18 (2023) requiring STR registration with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement in NYC. Class A multiple dwellings cannot be rented for less than 30 days without host present. State occupancy tax applies. Outside NYC, regulations vary by municipality.
Full Requirements Summary
New York has 2 key regulatory requirements at the state level.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | Yes | State has specific STR legislation |
| Registration Required | Yes | Must register with state/local authority |
| License Required | Yes | Must obtain a license or permit |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in New York
Rules diverge across New York: New York City is the strictest of the 5 cities we track (very heavy), while Lake Placid is the most permissive (light).
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Very Heavy | Local Law 18: Must register with OSE. Host must be present for stays under 30 days. No more than 2 guests. No locks on individual rooms. Fines up to $5,000. Most whole-apartment STRs effectively banned. |
| Buffalo | Moderate | STR permit required. Annual inspection. Less restrictive than NYC. Occupancy tax applies. |
| Albany | Moderate | STR permit required in some zones. State and local room tax apply. |
| Saratoga Springs | Moderate | STR regulations in effect. Tourist destination. County room tax applies. |
| Lake Placid | Light | Vacation rental market. County room tax applies. Local permits may be required. |
How New York Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New York with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where New York stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (NY) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| California (CA) | Heavy | No | No | No limit | No |
| District of Columbia (DC) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | 90 nights/year | Yes |
| Hawaii (HI) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Massachusetts (MA) | Heavy | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About New York STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in New York?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in New York. You must register with the state. A license or permit is required. The state's overall restriction level is heavy.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in New York?
Yes, New York requires a license or permit for short-term rental operators.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in New York?
Yes, New York has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts.
Which city in New York has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, New York City has the most restrictive STR regulations in New York with a very heavy restriction level. Local Law 18: Must register with OSE. Host must be present for stays under 30 days. No more than 2 guests. No locks on individual rooms. Fines up to $5,000. Most whole-apartment STRs effectively banned.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in New York, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country.