Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Elmira, NY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Elmira, NY, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning definitions for boardinghouses and lodging houses, which may limit transient rentals in specific dwelling types or zones. All rental properties must comply with the City's Rental Registration and Certification ordinances. Operators are also subject to New York State and Chemung County occupancy tax and registration requirements. 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.

Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning definitions for boardinghouses and lodging houses, which may limit transient rentals in specific dwelling types or zones. All rental properties must comply with the City's Rental Registration and Certification ordinances. Operators are also subject to New York State and Chemung County occupancy tax and registration requirements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Elmira. 1) Complete and submit the City of Elmira Rental Registration Form to the Code Enforcement/Rental Registration program. 2) Comply with the City’s Rental Certification requirements, which include property inspections as outlined in the Rental Certification Ordinance. 3) Register with New York State and Chemung County for the collection and remittance of applicable occupancy and sales taxes.

1) Complete and submit the City of Elmira Rental Registration Form to the Code Enforcement/Rental Registration program. 2) Comply with the City’s Rental Certification requirements, which include property inspections as outlined in the Rental Certification Ordinance. 3) Register with New York State and Chemung County for the collection and remittance of applicable occupancy and sales taxes.

Vrbo is permitted in Elmira, NY 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Elmira 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Elmira. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.