Short-Term Rentals in Saratoga Springs, NY

If you live in Saratoga Springs 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. Saratoga Springs has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Operating a short-term rental in Saratoga Springs requires a license from the Commissioner of Accounts under Chapter 136A, backed by a passed Fire Department inspection, a notarized safety affidavit, $300,000 liability insurance, and a designated local property contact.

Key details: Governing law: City Code Ch. 136A-5. Issuing office: Commissioner of Accounts. Fire inspection: Passed within 12 months. Property contact: Within 50 miles, 24/7. Min. liability insurance: $300,000.

An incomplete filing, a failed or missing fire inspection, a non-compliant affidavit, or refusal to grant an inspection lets the Accounts Department deny the license; prior owners with a revocation in the past year are barred for one year.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Saratoga Springs actively enforces its short-term rental permits requirements.

Noise Rules

Every licensed short-term rental in Saratoga Springs must conspicuously post the City's noise ordinance to prevent unreasonable noise. The posting is a certified condition of the Chapter 136A license the Commissioner of Accounts issues, inspects, and can revoke.

Key details: Governing section: § 136A-5A(3)(a)[11]. Requirement: Post City noise ordinance in unit. Enforcing agency: Commissioner of Accounts. Effective: June 1, 2025. Penalty: License denial or revocation.

A missing or inaccurate noise-ordinance posting is noncompliance with Chapter 136A and grounds for the Accounts Department to deny or revoke the short-term rental license; the underlying unreasonable noise is separately enforceable under the City's noise ordinance.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Saratoga Springs actively enforces its noise rules requirements.

Occupancy Limits

Saratoga Springs sets no flat guest cap for short-term rentals. Under Chapter 136A, maximum occupancy is limited to the number of occupants the property's septic tank and leach or absorption area can serve, certified by notarized affidavit.

Key details: Occupancy basis: Septic tank/leach field capacity. Governing law: City Code Ch. 136A. Effective: June 1, 2025. Certified by: Notarized owner affidavit. Licensing agency: Accounts Department.

A false or outdated occupancy certification, or occupancy exceeding septic capacity, is grounds for the Accounts Department to deny or revoke the short-term rental license; owners must promptly file a corrected affidavit when circumstances change.

Night Caps

Saratoga Springs limits every short-term rental, primary or non-primary residence alike, to 150 days per calendar year under Chapter 136A, and requires an annual city license before any night is booked.

Key details: Annual cap: 150 days per calendar year. Applies to: Primary and non-primary residences. License: Required; renewed yearly, fire inspection. First-violation fine: Up to $2,500. Authority: Ch. 136A, effective June 1, 2025.

Fines run up to $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $7,500 for a third within five years; each week counts as a separate violation. Three violations in two years can revoke the license.

Compared to other cities, Saratoga Springs takes a harder line on night caps. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Taxes & Fees

Saratoga Springs charges an annual short-term rental license fee of $100 for a primary residence and $750 for a non-primary residence under Chapter 136A, on top of Saratoga County's 3% occupancy (bed) tax on stays under 30 days.

Key details: Primary residence fee: $100 per year. Non-primary fee: $750 per license. Annual rental cap: 150 days per year. County occupancy tax: 3% bed tax. Enforcing agency: Department of Accounts.

Operating a short-term rental without a current license violates Chapter 136A; the Department of Accounts enforces the penalties, and unlicensed activity can be reported to STR@saratogaspringsny.gov or the Saratoga Springs Police non-emergency line.

This is one of the stricter rules in Saratoga Springs's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Saratoga Springs is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Saratoga Springs, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Saratoga Springs's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.