Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington County, NY

Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Washington County, NY, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. 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). "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

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).

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.

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.

Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Washington County, NY, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Washington 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 Washington County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.