Permit Requirements: Albany vs Colonie

Do I need to register my Airbnb in Albany?

Yes. Albany defines a unit as a short-term rental if it is rented to more than three different renters per month or more than twelve per year. Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com listings are explicitly included. Register on the Albany Rental Dwelling Registry under Chapter 231, Part 4.

What happens if I rent without registering?

Under §231-132(a) it is unlawful to rent or to collect rent on an unregistered unit. The city can issue fines, order you to stop renting, and pursue nuisance-abatement action for repeat violations.

Do I also need to register with New York State?

Yes. Beginning in 2025, New York State requires all short-term rental operators to register with the state STR Registry (or a recognized municipal registry). STRs are also taxed as hotels (state and local sales tax plus county hotel occupancy tax).

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Colonie, NY?

Colonie has not enacted a stand-alone STR registration scheme. You must, however, confirm the Town Zoning Chapter allows transient lodging in the dwelling's district, register for the Albany County 6% hotel occupancy tax under NY Tax Law §1202-g, and check any HOA or subdivision deed restriction. Consult Colonie Building Department before listing.

Does the New York Multiple Dwelling Law restrict Colonie STRs?

No. The Multiple Dwelling Law applies only to cities of 325,000 or more (and certain opt-in villages). Colonie has roughly 86,000 residents and is not covered, so the New York City-style 30-day minimum-rental rule does not preempt Colonie hosts. Local zoning and Albany County tax obligations still apply.