Short-Term Rentals in Philadelphia, PA (2026)

City of Philadelphia Dept. of Licenses & Inspections, FAQ PZ_003 (Rev. 9/2025), Zoning Permit & License Requirements; Phila. Code 14-604(13)

A unit cannot be offered as a short-term rental (less than 30 days) without obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. ... A zoning permit is required to offer a unit for rent as a short-term rental for any amount of time. ... If a zoning permit for Limited Lodging is required ..., the person offering the unit for rent must also obtain a Limited Lodging Operator License. A limited lodging op...

Philadelphia Code § 14-604(13)(b)(.4), (.6), (.9)

(.4) The limited lodging may not adversely affect the residential character of the neighborhood. Limited lodging may not, for example, generate noise, vibration, glare, odors, or other effects that unreasonably interfere with any person's enjoyment of his or her residence. ... (.6) Guests of lodgers shall be allowed only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. ... (.9) Lodgers shall be no...

City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue – Hotel Tax

The City's Hotel Tax rate is 8.5% of the total amount paid by the guest. The hotel operator is responsible for collecting the tax from guests. In addition to the City's Hotel Tax, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania imposes its own 7% Hotel Tax on the amount paid by the guest. The total in-state rate is 15.5%. You can be excused from paying Hotel Tax if you have received rent from: Someone who has...

The Philadelphia Code 14-604(13)(c)(.1)-(.2) (Limited Lodging - Standards), as enacted by Bill No. 150441-A

A dwelling unit may be used for limited lodging subject to compliance with all of the following minimum requirements: (.1) The dwelling unit shall remain as a household living unit with housekeeping facilities in common, but not to allow for occupancy by more than three persons (including the owner and lodgers) who are unrelated by blood, marriage, adoption, or foster-child status, or are not L...

Philadelphia Code § 9-3909(2)

Only a primary resident of a dwelling unit, as further defined in subsection 14-604(13) of this Code, may operate property as limited lodging and obtain such a license, provided that in the Tenth Councilmanic District only a primary resident who is the owner of the property may operate limited lodging and obtain such a license, and a renter may not do so.

Philadelphia Code § 9-3909(1)-(2)

(1) No person shall operate a residential dwelling as limited lodging, as defined in subsection 14-604(13) of this Code ("Limited Lodging"), without a Limited Lodging Operator License. Operation in violation of the standards for use as limited lodging as set forth in subsection 14-604(13) shall constitute a violation of this Chapter. (2) Only a primary resident of a dwelling unit, as fur...

Philadelphia Code § 19-2401(9)

Permanent resident. Any person who has occupied or has the right to occupy any room or rooms in a hotel as a patron or otherwise for a period exceeding thirty (30) consecutive days.

Philadelphia Code § 9-3910

No person or entity shall, in exchange for compensation, act as a booking agent with respect to limited lodging, hotel or similar short-term rental use unless the person or entity has a valid Limited Lodging and Hotels Booking Agent License... A booking agent so notified who removes the listing within such period shall not be liable for a violation associated with such listing.