Permit Requirements: Chicago vs New York
How do permit requirements rules compare between Chicago, IL and New York, NY?
Chicago and New York have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago Shared Housing Ordinance requires registration for STR (stays <32 days). Primary residence required (245 days/year). Registration $125; Shared Housing Unit Operator License $250 for multiple units. MCC Chapter 4-14.
View full Chicago rules →New York, NY
New York County
New York City Local Law 18 of 2022, codified at NYC Administrative Code §§26-3101 and 26-3102, requires every host who rents a unit for fewer than 30 consecutive days to register with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE). Enforcement against booking platforms began September 5, 2023. Under New York Multiple Dwelling Law §4(8)(a), Class A multiple dwellings (most NYC apartments) cannot be used for transient occupancy of fewer than 30 days unless the permanent occupant is present and no more than two guests are hosted at a time. The registration fee is $145.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Code | MCC §§4-13, 4-14 (amended SO2024-0013637) | - |
| Registration Fee | $125 | $145 (non-refundable) |
| Multiple Units License | $250 (Shared Housing Operator) | - |
| Primary Residence | Must occupy 245+ days/year | Required |
| Definition | Stays under 32 consecutive days | - |
| No Permit Fine | Starting at $1,500 | - |
| Governing Law | - | NYC Local Law 18 of 2022; NYC Admin. Code §§26-3101, 26-3102; NY Mult. Dwell. Law §4(8)(a) |
| Enforcement Began | - | September 5, 2023 |
| Minimum Stay (Unhosted) | - | 30 consecutive days in Class A multiple dwellings |
| Host Presence | - | Required for stays under 30 days |
| Maximum Guests | - | Two paying guests per registered listing |
| Enforcement | - | Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Chicago?
Chicago Shared Housing Ordinance requires registration for STR (stays <32 days). Primary residence required (245 days/year). Registration $125; Shared Housing Unit Operator License $250 for multiple units. MCC Chapter 4-14.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Chicago?
Code: MCC §§4-13, 4-14 (amended SO2024-0013637). Registration Fee: $125. Multiple Units License: $250 (Shared Housing Operator). Primary Residence: Must occupy 245+ days/year.
New York FAQ
Can I rent my NYC apartment on Airbnb for fewer than 30 days?
Only if the unit is your primary residence, you register with OSE, you are physically present during the guest's stay, and no more than two paying guests are present at a time. Renting an entire apartment without the host present for under 30 days is illegal under Multiple Dwelling Law §4(8)(a).
How do I register a short-term rental in NYC?
Apply through the OSE Short-Term Rental Registration portal. The non-refundable registration fee is $145. You must provide proof of primary residency and that the unit complies with applicable building, zoning, and safety codes.
Are 30+ day rentals subject to Local Law 18?
No. Rentals of 30 consecutive days or longer are exempt from the registration requirement under Local Law 18.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and New York compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool