Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ulster County, NY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Ulster County, NY, but with restrictions. All operators must register with the Ulster County Department of Finance to collect a 4% occupancy tax. At the municipal level (e.g., Kingston), rentals are restricted to specific zoning districts, may require a special permit from the Planning Board, and must pass a safety inspection before a license is granted. 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.

All operators must register with the Ulster County Department of Finance to collect a 4% occupancy tax. At the municipal level (e.g., Kingston), rentals are restricted to specific zoning districts, may require a special permit from the Planning Board, and must pass a safety inspection before a license is granted.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ulster County. 1. Register with the Ulster County Department of Finance for a Certificate of Authority to collect occupancy tax. 2. Apply for a municipal operating license and/or special permit from your local building or planning department. 3. Schedule and pass a safety inspection as required by your specific municipality.

1. Register with the Ulster County Department of Finance for a Certificate of Authority to collect occupancy tax. 2. Apply for a municipal operating license and/or special permit from your local building or planning department. 3. Schedule and pass a safety inspection as required by your specific municipality.

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