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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Old Lyme, CT

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Transient occupancy is limited to 2 weeks followed by a 2-week absence. Bed & Breakfasts are limited to 4 rooms and 14-day stays, while Tourist Homes allow up to 6 rooms and 30-day stays; both require a maximum of 2 persons per room and prohibit cooking facilities in guest rooms.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Determine classification (e.g., Bed & Breakfast, Tourist Home, or Letting of Rooms). 2) For Bed & Breakfasts, submit a Special Permit application and site development plan per Section 13; for letting of rooms, apply for a Zoning Permit and Certificate of Zoning Compliance. 3) Ensure compliance with fire and sanitary codes and maintain occupancy records.

Official Resources

Official Old Lyme STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Old Lyme, CT?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Old Lyme, CT, but with restrictions. Transient occupancy is limited to 2 weeks followed by a 2-week absence. Bed & Breakfasts are limited to 4 rooms and 14-day stays, while Tourist Homes allow up to 6 rooms and 30-day stays; both require a maximum of 2 persons per room and prohibit cooking facilities in guest rooms. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Old Lyme, CT?
Transient occupancy is limited to 2 weeks followed by a 2-week absence. Bed & Breakfasts are limited to 4 rooms and 14-day stays, while Tourist Homes allow up to 6 rooms and 30-day stays; both require a maximum of 2 persons per room and prohibit cooking facilities in guest rooms.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Old Lyme?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Old Lyme. 1) Determine classification (e.g., Bed & Breakfast, Tourist Home, or Letting of Rooms). 2) For Bed & Breakfasts, submit a Special Permit application and site development plan per Section 13; for letting of rooms, apply for a Zoning Permit and Certificate of Zoning Compliance. 3) Ensure compliance with fire and sanitary codes and maintain occupancy records.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Old Lyme?
1) Determine classification (e.g., Bed & Breakfast, Tourist Home, or Letting of Rooms). 2) For Bed & Breakfasts, submit a Special Permit application and site development plan per Section 13; for letting of rooms, apply for a Zoning Permit and Certificate of Zoning Compliance. 3) Ensure compliance with fire and sanitary codes and maintain occupancy records.
Is Vrbo legal in Old Lyme, CT?
Vrbo is permitted in Old Lyme, CT under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Old Lyme?
Short-term rental hosts in Old Lyme are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Old Lyme?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Old Lyme. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction