Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rentals in Islip, NY: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup

If you live in Islip or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Islip has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Occupancy Limits

Because true short-term rentals are prohibited, Islip sets no per-night STR guest cap. For permitted longer-term rentals, the application must state how many persons will reside in each unit, and Islip's strict zoning definition of 'family' limits unrelated-occupant use.

Key details: STR Guest Cap: N/A - STRs banned. Occupancy Disclosure: Required on application (Sec. 68-651(A)(6)). Family Definition: Single housekeeping unit (Sec. 68-649). Overcrowding Test: Sec. 68-663 presumptions. State Baseline: NY Property Maintenance Code.

Exceeding the lawful occupancy or operating an overcrowded or illegal multi-family rental contrary to Sec. 68-649 and Sec. 68-663 is a violation enforced under Sec. 68-666, with fines starting at $750 for a first offense.

Short-Term Rental Permits

The Town of Islip effectively bans true short-term rentals. Town Code Chapter 68, Article L bars any rental occupancy permit for a 'transient rental property' (a dwelling rented for less than 14 nights), and operating one is an outright violation.

Key details: Code Section: Town Code Sec. 68-650. STR Definition: Rental under 14 nights (Sec. 68-649). Permit for STR: Prohibited - Sec. 68-650(E). Permit Term: 2 years (Sec. 68-654). STR Ban Added: 12-15-2015; amended 8-13-2024.

Operating a transient rental property, or any rental without a valid rental occupancy permit, is a violation under Town Code Sec. 68-650 and is punishable under the penalty schedule in Sec. 68-666 (first offense fine of $750 to $2,500 and/or up to 15 days in jail).

Compared to other cities, Islip takes a harder line on short-term rental permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Islip's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Islip is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Islip can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.