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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in New York City, NY

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Registration is limited to permanent occupants of the unit. Short-term rentals are prohibited in NYCHA units, rent-regulated units, and buildings on the Prohibited Buildings List; hosts may not rent an entire unit and are limited to a maximum of two boarders.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Create or log in to an NYC.ID account. 2. Access the Short-Term Rental Registration Portal to submit an application. 3. Ensure the building is not on the Prohibited Buildings List before applying.

Regulatory Updates — New York City

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2023

Local Law 18 — Effective August 2023

New York City's Local Law 18 took effect on September 5, 2023, requiring all short-term rental hosts to register with the city, be present during all guest stays, and limit rentals to a maximum of two guests. The law effectively prohibits entire-unit rentals for stays under 30 days in virtually all residential buildings. Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms were required to delist all properties without a valid NYC STR registration.

Official source
PassedMarch 2024

Airbnb Lawsuit Against LL18 — Dismissed

Airbnb filed suit in federal court arguing that LL18 was preempted by federal law and violated the Commerce Clause. The court dismissed Airbnb's challenge in 2024, upholding the law in full. The ruling confirmed NYC's authority to regulate STRs through its existing zoning and housing code framework.

PassedJanuary 2025

NYC Office of Special Enforcement — Expanded STR Unit

The NYC Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) expanded its dedicated STR compliance unit in 2025, adding inspectors and data analysts to cross-reference platform listings against the city's STR registration database. OSE has the authority to issue fines of up to $5,000 per day for LL18 violations and can pursue platform liability for hosting unregistered listings.

Official source

Official Resources

Official New York City STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Rental Hosting Owners Association of New York (RHOANY)Local

NYC-based advocacy organization representing short-term rental hosts who have been affected by Local Law 18. Provides legal resources and monitors further legislative developments at the city and state level.

NY Home Sharing ClubLocal

Local advocacy group representing New York City home-sharing hosts, particularly owner-occupants and primary-residence hosts navigating LL18 compliance and registration.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association that has engaged on NYC's LL18 as a bellwether for national STR policy trends, providing resources for affected operators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in New York City, NY?
Registration is limited to permanent occupants of the unit. Short-term rentals are prohibited in NYCHA units, rent-regulated units, and buildings on the Prohibited Buildings List; hosts may not rent an entire unit and are limited to a maximum of two boarders.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in New York City?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in New York City. 1. Create or log in to an NYC.ID account. 2. Access the Short-Term Rental Registration Portal to submit an application. 3. Ensure the building is not on the Prohibited Buildings List before applying.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in New York City?
1. Create or log in to an NYC.ID account. 2. Access the Short-Term Rental Registration Portal to submit an application. 3. Ensure the building is not on the Prohibited Buildings List before applying.
What exactly does New York City's Local Law 18 require?
Local Law 18 requires that any NYC host renting a unit for fewer than 30 days must: (1) register with the NYC Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement; (2) be physically present in the dwelling for the entire duration of the guest stay; and (3) host no more than two paying guests at a time. Hosts cannot rent an entire apartment to guests while they are absent — even overnight. This effectively eliminates the traditional entire-unit Airbnb rental model in NYC.
Can I rent my NYC apartment on Airbnb if I'm away for a week?
No. Under Local Law 18, you must be physically present in your apartment for the entire duration of any stay under 30 days. You cannot rent your unit out while on vacation, traveling for work, or otherwise absent. The only way to legally rent your NYC apartment short-term is to be there with your guests. For stays of 30 days or longer, different rules apply and your presence is not required.
What buildings are exempt from Local Law 18?
Local Law 18 applies broadly to virtually all residential dwellings in New York City. There is no blanket exemption for condos, co-ops, or private houses — if you are renting for fewer than 30 days, the host-present and two-guest requirements apply regardless of building type. Some owner-occupied townhouses and single-family homes may have more flexibility, but the law's requirements still apply. Hotels and properties with a valid NYC hotel certificate of occupancy are not covered by LL18.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction