Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Southold, NY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Southold, NY, but with restrictions. Rentals for fewer than 14 nights are prohibited as 'transient rental property.' For rentals of 14 nights or longer, owners must obtain a permit, adhere to requested maximum occupancy limits, and display the permit number in all advertisements and at the property entrance. 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.

Rentals for fewer than 14 nights are prohibited as 'transient rental property.' For rentals of 14 nights or longer, owners must obtain a permit, adhere to requested maximum occupancy limits, and display the permit number in all advertisements and at the property entrance.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Southold. 1) Submit a Rental Permit Application with a $300 fee, notarized owner affidavit, and copies of Certificates of Occupancy. 2) Provide an inspection report from a Town Code Enforcement Official or a certified NYS professional (architect/engineer/home inspector). 3) Receive a permit valid for 24 months; renewal applications must be filed at least 90 days before expiration.

1) Submit a Rental Permit Application with a $300 fee, notarized owner affidavit, and copies of Certificates of Occupancy. 2) Provide an inspection report from a Town Code Enforcement Official or a certified NYS professional (architect/engineer/home inspector). 3) Receive a permit valid for 24 months; renewal applications must be filed at least 90 days before expiration.

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