asset: str-registration-rules-major-cities

asset_type: municipal-registration

body: For each major US city, from the city government's own page: whether short-term rentals must register or be licensed, the fee, the licence term, primary-residence and unit-count limits, and dated rule changes. This is the portfolio's first city-level asset — every other jurisdictional asset is state-level — and the rules are churning: Austin rewrote its rules three times in twelve months (Feb 2025 zoning change, Oct 2025 two-year licences and tenant operation, and from July 1, 2026 the city 'will begin requesting removal of unlicensed properties from STR platforms'); Chicago registers 'shared housing units' with $2,500–$10,000 fines per violation; NYC's Local Law 18 registration regime has a Prohibited Buildings List. The incumbents assembling this are property-management software vendors (Lodgify, Hospitable, Truvi) whose city guides are content marketing with no quotes, no dates and uneven freshness — keeping fifty city pages current by hand was the prohibitive part, and it is exactly what the pipeline does. Answers 'do I need a licence to Airbnb my place in [city]', 'what is the fine for an unregistered short-term rental in [city]', and 'what changed in [city]'s STR rules this year'. Cities whose page we cannot reach get no record.

key_field: city

licence: unknown

title: Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page

type: dataset


body:
**City:** Austin

**Fee and licence term:** An operating license for a new STR is $836.30. This includes the $789 license fee and $47.30 notification fee.

> An operating license for a new STR is $836.30. This includes the $789 license fee and $47.30 notification fee. Fees are non-refundable.

Source: <https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals>

city: Austin

title: Austin — Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page

type: municipal-registration


body:
**City:** Austin

**Fee and licence term:** STR licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance.

> STR licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance. STR operating license renewals may be submitted 60 days before an active license expires.

Source: <https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Austin

**Residence and unit limits:** Single-family sites : An individual may operate up to two STR units on a site and may operate additional STRs elsewhere, provided they are at least 1,000 feet apart. Mixed-use sites: An individual may operate the greater of one unit or 25% of their units on sites with four or more residential units and at least one commercial use. Multi-family residential sites : An individual may operate the greater of one unit or 10% of their units.

> Single-family sites : An individual may operate up to two STR units on a site and may operate additional STRs elsewhere, provided they are at least 1,000 feet apart. Mixed-use sites: An individual may operate the greater of one unit or 25% of their units on sites with four or more residential units and at least one commercial use. Multi-family residential sites : An individual may operate the greater of one unit or 10% of their units.

Source: <https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Austin

**Dated rule change:** In February 2025, the Austin City Council adopted changes that made STRs an additional (accessory) use to all residential uses in all zoning districts as long as they have a valid operating license.

> In February 2025, the Austin City Council adopted changes that made STRs an additional (accessory) use to all residential uses in all zoning districts as long as they have a valid operating license.

Source: <https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Austin

**Dated rule change:** on July 1, 2026 the City of Austin will begin requesting removal of unlicensed properties from STR platforms

> Ensure Your License is Active by July 1 - following significant changes to STR regulations last year, on July 1, 2026 the City of Austin will begin requesting removal of unlicensed properties from STR platforms. If you don't have an active license, please submit an application as soon as possible.

Source: <https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Austin

**Dated rule change:** Regulations for online platforms that host STRs went into effect July 1, 2026.

> New Platform Regulations Regulations for online platforms that host STRs went into effect July 1, 2026. Platforms are required to: Have a license display field Remove unlicensed listings upon request by the city

Source: <https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Austin

**Registration / licence required?:** All STR owners/operators in the City of Austin must be licensed annually through the City.

**Ordinance / administering office:** Austin Development Services Code Compliance

> All STR owners/operators in the City of Austin must be licensed annually through the City. Visit the How to Apply section to learn more.

Source: <https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Chicago

**Fee and licence term:** $250 annual registration payment

> If the application is approved : Follow the instructions in your approval letter to complete the $250 annual registration payment on the Shared Housing Registration Portal.

Source: <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/sharedhousingandaccomodationslicensing.html>

city: Chicago

fee_and_term: $250 annual registration payment

title: Chicago — Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page


body:
**City:** Chicago

**Fee and licence term:** All shared housing registrations must be renewed annually.

> Annual Renewal All shared housing registrations must be renewed annually.

Source: <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/sharedhousingandaccomodationslicensing.html>


body:
**City:** Chicago

**Residence and unit limits:** Shared housing hosts that are approved for more than one shared housing registration must obtain a Shared Housing Unit Operator License (SHUOL). Only one SHUOL is required per individual host, but each shared housing unit must have its own separate registration.

> Shared housing hosts that are approved for more than one shared housing registration must obtain a Shared Housing Unit Operator License (SHUOL). Only one SHUOL is required per individual host, but each shared housing unit must have its own separate registration.

Source: <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/sharedhousingandaccomodationslicensing.html>


authority: BACP

body:
**City:** Chicago

**Registration / licence required?:** All shared housing units are required to have an approved Registration Number to operate short-term rentals (31 days or fewer) in the City of Chicago.

**Ordinance / administering office:** BACP

> All shared housing units are required to have an approved Registration Number to operate short-term rentals (31 days or fewer) in the City of Chicago.

Source: <https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/sharedhousingandaccomodationslicensing.html>


body:
**City:** Denver

**Registration / licence required?:** If you rent a property to guests for fewer than 29 nights at one time, a short-term rental license is required.

**Residence and unit limits:** The property being rented must be your primary residence. If you are not the property owner, you will need permission from the property owner to operate short-term rentals there.

> If you rent a property to guests for fewer than 29 nights at one time, a short-term rental license is required. The property being rented must be your primary residence. If you are not the property owner, you will need permission from the property owner to operate short-term rentals there.

Source: <https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-Licenses/Short-Term-Rentals>

city: Denver

title: Denver — Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page


authority: Denver Revised Municipal Code

body:
**City:** Denver

**Registration / licence required?:** the City and County of Denver requires hosts to get a license to offer a short-term rental in their primary residence.

**Residence and unit limits:** Primary residence means the place where a person's habitation is fixed for the term of the license and is the person's usual place of return. A person can have only one primary residence.

**Ordinance / administering office:** Denver Revised Municipal Code

> the City and County of Denver requires hosts to get a license to offer a short-term rental in their primary residence. Primary residence means the place where a person's habitation is fixed for the term of the license and is the person's usual place of return. A person can have only one primary residence.

Source: <https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-Licenses/Short-Term-Rentals>


body:
**City:** Nashville

**Fee and licence term:** Short Term Rental Property permits must be renewed annually.

> Short Term Rental Property permits must be renewed annually.

Source: <https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals>

city: Nashville

title: Nashville — Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page


body:
**City:** Nashville

**Dated rule change:** The new online Short Term Rental permit application process became effective March 11, 2026.

> Short Term Rental Permits The new online Short Term Rental permit application process became effective March 11, 2026.

Source: <https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals>


authority: Metro Codes Department

body:
**City:** Nashville

**Registration / licence required?:** In Nashville and Davidson County, the law requires that anyone wishing to rent a property on Short Term Rental Property (STRP) websites must receive a permit from the Metro Codes Department prior to listing.

**Residence and unit limits:** The Short Term Rental Property owner shall not receive any compensation or remuneration to permit occupancy of an Short Term Rental Property for a period of less than twenty-four hours. The maximum stay for any guest shall be thirty consecutive days.

**Ordinance / administering office:** Metro Codes Department

> In Nashville and Davidson County, the law requires that anyone wishing to rent a property on Short Term Rental Property (STRP) websites must receive a permit from the Metro Codes Department prior to listing. The Short Term Rental Property owner shall not receive any compensation or remuneration to permit occupancy of an Short Term Rental Property for a period of less than twenty-four hours. The maximum stay for any guest shall be thirty consecutive days.

Source: <https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** New Orleans

**Dated rule change:** effective July 1, 2023, a noise monitoring device is required for all Commercial Short Term Rentals

> Please also note that effective July 1, 2023, a noise monitoring device is required for all Commercial Short Term Rentals.

Source: <https://nola.gov/short-term-rentals/>

city: New Orleans

title: New Orleans — Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page


body:
**City:** New Orleans

**Dated rule change:** All issued NSTR Licenses are set to expire on June 30, 2026.

> All issued NSTR Licenses are set to expire on June 30, 2026. You will have the option to renew your license in your One Stop App account beginning April 19, 2026. Permitholders who remain in good standing with the Department of Safety and Permits will be eligible to apply for renewal of the NSTR License.

Source: <https://nola.gov/short-term-rentals/>


body:
**City:** New Orleans

**Residence and unit limits:** If your renewal application is not received you will lose your NSTR License and will have to reapply in the next lottery IF your square is available.

> You must submit your NSTR renewal prior to 11:59pm on May 2, 2026. If your renewal application is not received you will lose your NSTR License and will have to reapply in the next lottery IF your square is available.

Source: <https://nola.gov/short-term-rentals/>


body:
**City:** New Orleans

**Registration / licence required?:** Short Term Rentals in Orleans Parish are regulated through the Short Term Rental Administration, a part of the Department of Safety and Permits.

**Ordinance / administering office:** Short Term Rental Administration, a part of the Department of Safety and Permits

> Short Term Rentals in Orleans Parish are regulated through the Short Term Rental Administration, a part of the Department of Safety and Permits.

Source: <https://nola.gov/short-term-rentals/>


body:
**City:** New York City

**Residence and unit limits:** The Short-Term Rental Registration Law also requires OSE to maintain a Prohibited Buildings list. This list is comprised of buildings where short-term rentals are prohibited, either by the law (such as NYCHA or entire rent-regulated buildings) or by the leases and occupancy agreements for the building.

> The Short-Term Rental Registration Law also requires OSE to maintain a Prohibited Buildings list. This list is comprised of buildings where short-term rentals are prohibited, either by the law (such as NYCHA or entire rent-regulated buildings) or by the leases and occupancy agreements for the building. Owners can notify OSE that short-term rentals are prohibited in their building.

Source: <https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page>

city: New York City

title: New York City — Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page


body:
**City:** New York City

**Registration / licence required?:** Short-term rental listings for units in "Class B" multiple dwellings, which have been approved by the City of New York for legal short-term occupancies, are exempt from the registration requirement, as are rentals for 30 consecutive days or more.

> Short-term rental listings for units in "Class B" multiple dwellings, which have been approved by the City of New York for legal short-term occupancies, are exempt from the registration requirement, as are rentals for 30 consecutive days or more. Please note that Class B refers to legal occupancy, and not to the Department of Finance tax classification.

Source: <https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page>


body:
**City:** New York City

**Dated rule change:** Starting September 5, 2023, OSE's initial phase of Local Law 18 enforcement will focus on collaborating with the booking platforms to ensure they are using the city's verification system, that all verifications are occurring correctly, and that the platforms stop processing unverified transactions.

> Starting September 5, 2023, OSE's initial phase of Local Law 18 enforcement will focus on collaborating with the booking platforms to ensure they are using the city's verification system, that all verifications are occurring correctly, and that the platforms stop processing unverified transactions.

Source: <https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page>


authority: Chapters 31 and 32 of Title 26

body:
**City:** New York City

**Dated rule change:** The final rules were published February 3, 2023, and take effect March 6, 2023.

**Ordinance / administering office:** Chapters 31 and 32 of Title 26

> The rules were initially proposed on November 4, and the public comment period ended at midnight on January 11, 2023. The final rules were published February 3, 2023, and take effect March 6, 2023.

Source: <https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration-rules-and-laws.page>


body:
**City:** New York City

**Registration / licence required?:** The law requires short-term rental hosts to register with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE), and prohibits booking service platforms (such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and others) from processing transactions for unregistered short-term rentals.

**Dated rule change:** On January 9, 2022, New York City adopted Local Law 18, also known as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law.

**Ordinance / administering office:** Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE)

> On January 9, 2022, New York City adopted Local Law 18, also known as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law. The law requires short-term rental hosts to register with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE), and prohibits booking service platforms (such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and others) from processing transactions for unregistered short-term rentals.

Source: <https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page>


body:
**City:** Seattle

**Fee and licence term:** The fee for an STR operator regulatory license is $75 per unit and it must be renewed annually.

> The fee for an STR operator regulatory license is $75 per unit and it must be renewed annually.

Source: <https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals>

city: Seattle

title: Seattle — Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page


body:
**City:** Seattle

**Residence and unit limits:** Most short-term rental operators may operate two units: the operator's primary residence and a secondary unit, one in which the operator does not live.

> Most short-term rental operators may operate two units: the operator's primary residence and a secondary unit, one in which the operator does not live.

Source: <https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Seattle

**Fee and licence term:** Short-term Rental Operator licenses are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued

> Short-term Rental Operator licenses are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued (e.g., if you received your short-term operator's license on March 15, 2021, your license renewal is due on or before March 15, 2022).

Source: <https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Seattle

**Dated rule change:** The City of Seattle began issuing STR regulatory licenses, which are valid for one year, on Jan. 2, 2019.

> The City of Seattle began issuing STR regulatory licenses, which are valid for one year, on Jan. 2, 2019.

Source: <https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals>


body:
**City:** Seattle

**Registration / licence required?:** Short-term Rental Operator Licenses issued by the City must be posted on every listing advertising or offering the short-term rental unit

> Short-term Rental Operator Licenses issued by the City must be posted on every listing advertising or offering the short-term rental unit, including listings on platforms (e.g VRBO, Expedia, MrBnb, Airbnb etc.). The short-term rental license must be posted in this format: STR-OPLI-##-######. Example STR-OPLI-21-000123. Platforms may remove listings if the license number is not formatted correctly.

Source: <https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals>


authority: Seattle Municipal Code

body:
**City:** Seattle

**Registration / licence required?:** Operating an STR without a regulatory license could subject you to fines and other penalties.

**Ordinance / administering office:** Seattle Municipal Code

> Operating an STR without a regulatory license could subject you to fines and other penalties. Avoid fines and penalties by completing the licensing process.

Source: <https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals>