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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington County, NY

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Washington County requires that any dwelling or portion thereof rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days that is offered for transient/tourist use be registered as a short-term vacation rental unit; a 4% county occupancy tax applies to rent for every qualifying occupancy. Registration must be displayed on listings, registration is valid for two years, and the Treasurer may revoke registration for violations; the county law addresses tax collection, recordkeeping, and enforcement but does not set zoning-specific limits (municipal zoning/permit rules may still apply at town/village level).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Create an account and register each rentable unit via the Washington County Certificate of Authority and Tax Portal (portal.deckard.com). 2) Pay the application/registration and renewal fees (amounts are to be established by the Treasurer); within five days of payment the Treasurer issues a Certificate of Authority. 3) Remit monthly occupancy tax returns/payments as prescribed; renew registration every two years and display certificate/registration number on the property and in all listings.

Official Resources

Official Washington County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Washington County, NY?
Washington County requires that any dwelling or portion thereof rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days that is offered for transient/tourist use be registered as a short-term vacation rental unit; a 4% county occupancy tax applies to rent for every qualifying occupancy. Registration must be displayed on listings, registration is valid for two years, and the Treasurer may revoke registration for violations; the county law addresses tax collection, recordkeeping, and enforcement but does not set zoning-specific limits (municipal zoning/permit rules may still apply at town/village level).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Washington County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Washington County. 1) Create an account and register each rentable unit via the Washington County Certificate of Authority and Tax Portal (portal.deckard.com). 2) Pay the application/registration and renewal fees (amounts are to be established by the Treasurer); within five days of payment the Treasurer issues a Certificate of Authority. 3) Remit monthly occupancy tax returns/payments as prescribed; renew registration every two years and display certificate/registration number on the property and in all listings.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Washington County?
1) Create an account and register each rentable unit via the Washington County Certificate of Authority and Tax Portal (portal.deckard.com). 2) Pay the application/registration and renewal fees (amounts are to be established by the Treasurer); within five days of payment the Treasurer issues a Certificate of Authority. 3) Remit monthly occupancy tax returns/payments as prescribed; renew registration every two years and display certificate/registration number on the property and in all listings.

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