Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Philadelphia, PA

Airbnb listings are allowed in Philadelphia, PA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning: 'Limited Lodging' requires the operator to reside in the unit for more than half the year (primary residence), while 'Visitor Accommodations' (non-primary) is a commercial use allowed only in specific zoning districts. Operators must obtain a zoning permit before a license, display license numbers on all listings, and pay an 8.5% monthly City Hotel Tax. 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.

Short-term rentals are restricted by zoning: 'Limited Lodging' requires the operator to reside in the unit for more than half the year (primary residence), while 'Visitor Accommodations' (non-primary) is a commercial use allowed only in specific zoning districts. Operators must obtain a zoning permit before a license, display license numbers on all listings, and pay an 8.5% monthly City Hotel Tax.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Philadelphia. 1. Obtain a Philadelphia business tax account and a Commercial Activity License. 2. Apply for and receive the appropriate Zoning Permit (Limited Lodging for primary residents or Visitor Accommodations for non-primary). 3. Apply for a Limited Lodging Operator License or Rental License via the eCLIPSE portal, then schedule and pass a required L&I safety inspection. Licenses must be renewed annually and require a new inspection for renewal.

1. Obtain a Philadelphia business tax account and a Commercial Activity License. 2. Apply for and receive the appropriate Zoning Permit (Limited Lodging for primary residents or Visitor Accommodations for non-primary). 3. Apply for a Limited Lodging Operator License or Rental License via the eCLIPSE portal, then schedule and pass a required L&I safety inspection. Licenses must be renewed annually and require a new inspection for renewal.

Vrbo is permitted in Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia 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.

The most recent tracked change in Philadelphia is "Philadelphia Limited Lodging License Enforcement Strengthened" (2024-10-01, status: passed). The city increased audits of STR listings on platforms, issuing citations to operators without a valid Limited Lodging license or operating more than one property. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.

No. Philadelphia's Limited Lodging ordinance restricts each operator to a single STR property, and that property must be your primary residence. Operating multiple STR properties violates city code.

A Limited Lodging license is required to legally operate an STR in Philadelphia. It requires the property to be your primary residence, a rental license from the city, and compliance with occupancy and safety standards.

Unlicensed operators face fines, cease-and-desist orders, and potential civil litigation. The city actively monitors booking platforms and cross-references listings against the licensed operator database.