Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ithaca, NY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Ithaca, NY, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to the host's primary residence (minimum 184-185 days occupancy per year) and are permitted in single-family homes, two-unit dwellings, and owner-occupied units. Unhosted rentals of an entire primary residence are capped at 180 days per year, while hosted rentals have no day limit. Hosts must also comply with 'Good Neighbor Rules' regarding noise, trash, and parking. 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.

STRs are restricted to the host's primary residence (minimum 184-185 days occupancy per year) and are permitted in single-family homes, two-unit dwellings, and owner-occupied units. Unhosted rentals of an entire primary residence are capped at 180 days per year, while hosted rentals have no day limit. Hosts must also comply with 'Good Neighbor Rules' regarding noise, trash, and parking.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ithaca. 1. Obtain a Certificate of Compliance by scheduling a safety inspection ($7 per room). 2. Register with Tompkins County to pay Room Occupancy Taxes and receive a Certificate of Authority ($125 fee). 3. Submit the city permit application via the OpenGov portal with two proofs of primary residency and the certificates from steps 1 and 2. Permits must be renewed annually.

1. Obtain a Certificate of Compliance by scheduling a safety inspection ($7 per room). 2. Register with Tompkins County to pay Room Occupancy Taxes and receive a Certificate of Authority ($125 fee). 3. Submit the city permit application via the OpenGov portal with two proofs of primary residency and the certificates from steps 1 and 2. Permits must be renewed annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Ithaca, 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.