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

If you live in White Plains 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. White Plains has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Taxes & Fees

No Westchester County occupancy tax on STRs as of early 2026. NY state 4% sales tax applies; platforms collect since March 2025. Westchester hotel tax applies to hotels but not currently to STRs.

Key details: NY Sales Tax: 4%. County Sales: 4%. Occupancy Tax: Not on STRs. Platform Remit: Since 3/25/2025.

Failure to remit state sales tax: NY Tax Law penalties (50% + interest). Unlawful STRs also subject to zoning fines.

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

Permit Requirements

White Plains generally prohibits short-term rentals under 30 days in most residential zones under zoning code. No specific STR permit program; rentals under 30 days treated as transient lodging requiring hotel zoning.

Key details: Under 30 Days: Prohibited residentially. Permit Program: None. Treatment: Transient lodging. State Law: Dec 2024 STR Act.

Zoning violations: $250–$1,000 per day. Code enforcement can issue stop-use orders and refer to Corporation Counsel.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. White Plains actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.

Parking Rules

STR guest parking follows underlying zoning: single-family requires off-street spaces; condo/apartment guests must use assigned or visitor spaces. Downtown street parking has meters/permits.

Key details: Off-Street: Required per zoning. Downtown Meter: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. M-Sat. Overnight: Permit residential. Fines: $35–$150.

Street parking violations: $35–$150 per ticket. Residential permit violations: vehicle may be booted after 3 tickets.

Insurance Requirements

No city-mandated STR liability insurance minimum (since most STRs prohibited). Where permitted long-term, landlord insurance or a commercial rider is standard; Airbnb Host Protection offers $1M guest coverage.

Key details: City Minimum: None set. Airbnb Coverage: $1M host protection. Landlord Policy: Recommended. Condo HOA: Check bylaws.

No specific insurance fine, but uninsured hosts face personal liability exposure if a guest is injured.

Occupancy Limits

NY State Multiple Dwelling Law and NYS Property Maintenance Code apply: minimum 70 sq ft first occupant + 50 sq ft each additional. Bedrooms must meet 70 sq ft and egress rules.

Key details: First Occupant: 70 sq ft. Each Addl: 50 sq ft. Bedroom Min: 70 sq ft. Code: NYS PMC.

Over-occupancy citations: $250–$1,000 per violation with stop-use orders possible.

Noise Rules

Where STRs operate, standard city noise rules apply: 10 p.m. quiet hours weekdays, 11 p.m. weekends. Hosts liable for guest violations.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. weekdays. Weekend: 11 p.m.. Host Liable: Yes. Stacked Fines: Zoning + noise.

Noise fines $250–$1,000 stack with zoning fines of up to $1,000/day.

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

Registration Rules

White Plains Municipal Code Title IV, Section 4-28 (Rental Housing Registry and License Program) requires every non-exempt rental unit, including short-term rentals, to obtain a Rental Housing License from the Department of Building before being offered for rent. Licenses run January 1 through December 31 and applications must be filed at least 30 days before renting.

Key details: Code Section: Title IV, Sec. 4-28. Effective Date: July 3, 2018. License Year: Jan 1 - Dec 31. Initial/Renewal Fee: $125 + $10 per unit. Filing Window: Oct 1 - Dec 1 annually.

Operating a rental unit, including a short-term rental, without a current Rental Housing License violates Sec. 4-28-4 and is punishable under Sec. 4-28-14: $200 per day for a first offense, $500 per day for a second offense, and $1,000 per day for a third or subsequent offense, with each day a separate violation. False statements on the application can revoke the license under Sec. 4-28-13.

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

Night Caps

White Plains Municipal Code Sec. 4-28 sets no annual night cap for short-term rentals, but New York Multiple Dwelling Law Section 4(8)(a) bars rentals shorter than 30 days in any Class A multiple dwelling (three or more units) unless the permanent resident is present throughout the stay. Single-family and owner-occupied two-family homes are not affected by MDL Section 4(8).

Key details: City Night Cap: None in Sec. 4-28. State Minimum Stay: 30 days (Class A). Statute: NY MDL Sec. 4(8)(a). Class A Threshold: 3+ residential units. Host-Present Exception: Permanent resident on-site.

Renting a unit in a Class A multiple dwelling for fewer than 30 days without the permanent resident present violates NY MDL Section 4(8)(a). Advertising such illegal short-term rentals can draw state fines from $1,000 to $7,500 per advertisement. Operating any covered rental in White Plains without a Rental Housing License also triggers Sec. 4-28-14 fines of $200 to $1,000 per day.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. White Plains actively enforces its night caps requirements.

The Bottom Line

White Plains is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in White Plains, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that White Plains can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.