{
  "name": "Short-term rental registration rules, city by city, from each city's own page",
  "description": "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 \u2014 every other jurisdictional asset is state-level \u2014 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\u2013$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 \u2014 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.",
  "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/",
  "licence": "unknown",
  "last_verified": "2026-08-18",
  "stale_after": "2027-02-14",
  "sources": [
    "https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals",
    "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/sharedhousingandaccomodationslicensing.html",
    "https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-Licenses/Short-Term-Rentals",
    "https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals",
    "https://nola.gov/short-term-rentals/",
    "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page",
    "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration-rules-and-laws.page",
    "https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals"
  ],
  "records": [
    {
      "city": "Austin",
      "registration_required": "All STR owners/operators in the City of Austin must be licensed annually through the City.",
      "authority": "Austin Development Services Code Compliance",
      "id": "austin",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/austin/",
      "source": "https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals",
      "source_quote": "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.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "authority",
        "registration_required"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "city"
      ],
      "also_reported": [
        {
          "field": "fee_and_term",
          "value": "An operating license for a new STR is $836.30. This includes the $789 license fee and $47.30 notification fee.",
          "source": "https://www.austintexas.gov/department/short-term-rentals",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        },
        {
          "field": "occupancy_limits",
          "value": "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",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        },
        {
          "field": "recent_change",
          "value": "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",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        }
      ],
      "disagreements": []
    },
    {
      "city": "Chicago",
      "registration_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.",
      "authority": "BACP",
      "id": "chicago",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/chicago/",
      "source": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/sharedhousingandaccomodationslicensing.html",
      "source_quote": "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.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "authority",
        "registration_required"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "city"
      ],
      "also_reported": [
        {
          "field": "fee_and_term",
          "value": "$250 annual registration payment",
          "source": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/sharedhousingandaccomodationslicensing.html",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        },
        {
          "field": "occupancy_limits",
          "value": "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",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        }
      ],
      "disagreements": []
    },
    {
      "city": "Denver",
      "registration_required": "the City and County of Denver requires hosts to get a license to offer a short-term rental in their primary residence.",
      "occupancy_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.",
      "authority": "Denver Revised Municipal Code",
      "id": "denver",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/denver/",
      "source": "https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-Licenses/Short-Term-Rentals",
      "source_quote": "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.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "authority",
        "occupancy_limits",
        "registration_required"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "city"
      ],
      "disagreements": [
        {
          "field": "registration_required",
          "versions": [
            {
              "value": "the City and County of Denver requires hosts to get a license to offer a short-term rental in their primary residence.",
              "source": "https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-Licenses/Short-Term-Rentals",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            },
            {
              "value": "If you rent a property to guests for fewer than 29 nights at one time, a short-term rental license is required.",
              "source": "https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-Licenses/Short-Term-Rentals",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "field": "occupancy_limits",
          "versions": [
            {
              "value": "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",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            },
            {
              "value": "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",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "city": "Nashville",
      "registration_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.",
      "occupancy_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.",
      "authority": "Metro Codes Department",
      "id": "nashville",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/nashville/",
      "source": "https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals",
      "source_quote": "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.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "authority",
        "occupancy_limits",
        "registration_required"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "city"
      ],
      "also_reported": [
        {
          "field": "fee_and_term",
          "value": "Short Term Rental Property permits must be renewed annually.",
          "source": "https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals",
          "source_quote": "Short Term Rental Property permits must be renewed annually.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        },
        {
          "field": "recent_change",
          "value": "The new online Short Term Rental permit application process became effective March 11, 2026.",
          "source": "https://www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals",
          "source_quote": "Short Term Rental Permits The new online Short Term Rental permit application process became effective March 11, 2026.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        }
      ],
      "disagreements": []
    },
    {
      "city": "New Orleans",
      "registration_required": "Short Term Rentals in Orleans Parish are regulated through the Short Term Rental Administration, a part of the Department of Safety and Permits.",
      "authority": "Short Term Rental Administration, a part of the Department of Safety and Permits",
      "id": "new-orleans",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/new-orleans/",
      "source": "https://nola.gov/short-term-rentals/",
      "source_quote": "Short Term Rentals in Orleans Parish are regulated through the Short Term Rental Administration, a part of the Department of Safety and Permits.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "authority",
        "registration_required"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "city"
      ],
      "also_reported": [
        {
          "field": "recent_change",
          "value": "effective July 1, 2023, a noise monitoring device is required for all Commercial Short Term Rentals",
          "source": "https://nola.gov/short-term-rentals/",
          "source_quote": "Please also note that effective July 1, 2023, a noise monitoring device is required for all Commercial Short Term Rentals.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        },
        {
          "field": "occupancy_limits",
          "value": "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/",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        }
      ],
      "disagreements": []
    },
    {
      "city": "New York City",
      "registration_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.",
      "recent_change": "On January 9, 2022, New York City adopted Local Law 18, also known as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law.",
      "authority": "Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE)",
      "id": "new-york-city",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/new-york-city/",
      "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page",
      "source_quote": "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.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "authority",
        "recent_change",
        "registration_required"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "city"
      ],
      "also_reported": [
        {
          "field": "occupancy_limits",
          "value": "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.",
          "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        }
      ],
      "disagreements": [
        {
          "field": "registration_required",
          "versions": [
            {
              "value": "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",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            },
            {
              "value": "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.",
              "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "field": "recent_change",
          "versions": [
            {
              "value": "On January 9, 2022, New York City adopted Local Law 18, also known as the Short-Term Rental Registration Law.",
              "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            },
            {
              "value": "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",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            },
            {
              "value": "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",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            }
          ]
        },
        {
          "field": "authority",
          "versions": [
            {
              "value": "Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE)",
              "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration.page",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            },
            {
              "value": "Chapters 31 and 32 of Title 26",
              "source": "https://www.nyc.gov/site/specialenforcement/registration-law/registration-rules-and-laws.page",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "city": "Seattle",
      "registration_required": "Operating an STR without a regulatory license could subject you to fines and other penalties.",
      "authority": "Seattle Municipal Code",
      "id": "seattle",
      "url": "https://referencesource.org/str-registration-rules-major-cities/seattle/",
      "source": "https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals",
      "source_quote": "Operating an STR without a regulatory license could subject you to fines and other penalties. Avoid fines and penalties by completing the licensing process.",
      "verified_fields": [
        "authority",
        "registration_required"
      ],
      "derived_fields": [
        "city"
      ],
      "also_reported": [
        {
          "field": "fee_and_term",
          "value": "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",
          "source_quote": "The fee for an STR operator regulatory license is $75 per unit and it must be renewed annually.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        },
        {
          "field": "occupancy_limits",
          "value": "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",
          "source_quote": "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.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        },
        {
          "field": "recent_change",
          "value": "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",
          "source_quote": "The City of Seattle began issuing STR regulatory licenses, which are valid for one year, on Jan. 2, 2019.",
          "as_of": "2026-08-18"
        }
      ],
      "disagreements": [
        {
          "field": "registration_required",
          "versions": [
            {
              "value": "Operating an STR without a regulatory license could subject you to fines and other penalties.",
              "source": "https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals",
              "source_quote": "Operating an STR without a regulatory license could subject you to fines and other penalties. Avoid fines and penalties by completing the licensing process.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            },
            {
              "value": "Short-term Rental Operator Licenses issued by the City must be posted on every listing advertising or offering the short-term rental unit",
              "source": "https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-rentals",
              "source_quote": "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.",
              "as_of": "2026-08-18"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}