Noise Rules: New York vs Philadelphia
How do noise rules rules compare between New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia has fewer restrictions than New York.
New York, NY
New York County
Short-term rentals in New York City must comply with the NYC Noise Code (Administrative Code Chapter 24, Title 24, §§24-201 through 24-269) at all times, with quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enforces general noise standards, while NYPD responds to in-progress disturbances. Hosts registered under Local Law 18 must remain physically present during stays, which makes them directly responsible for guest noise. Multiple Dwelling Law §78 also imposes a duty on owners to keep premises in good repair, including soundproofing where applicable. Repeat noise violations can lead to OSE registration revocation under Admin. Code §26-3102.
View full New York rules →Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia STR guests are subject to the same noise rules as all residents under Phila. Code Title 10, Chapter 10-400 (Noise and Excessive Vibration). Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM in residential districts. Limited Lodging hosts under §14-604(13) are also required to ensure their STR use does not 'alter the residential character' of the building, and Bill 220754 makes the host responsible for guest violations. Repeat noise complaints can trigger license review by L&I.
View full Philadelphia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New York | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | NYC Admin. Code Title 24, Chapter 1, Subchapter 4 (§§24-201 to 24-269) | - |
| Quiet Hours | 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. | 10 PM – 7 AM (residential) |
| Residential Limit (Night) | 45 dB(A) measured inside neighbor's dwelling | - |
| Sound-Reproduction Limit | Not audible from 25 feet (§24-244) | - |
| Host Presence Required | Yes, under Local Law 18 | - |
| First-Offense Penalty | $50-$875 depending on source | - |
| Repeat-Offense Penalty | Escalating; potential OSE registration revocation | - |
| Reporting | 311 (non-emergency); 911 (in-progress disturbance) | 311 (non-emergency) / 911 (active) |
| Enforcement | DEP; NYPD; OSE; OATH | - |
| Noise Code | - | Phila. Code §10-403 |
| Standard | - | Plainly audible at property line |
| Host Liability | - | Yes — under Bill 220754 |
| Residential Character | - | Required by §14-604(13)(g) |
| First Fine | - | $100 (escalating) |
| Repeat Complaints | - | Can trigger license revocation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New York FAQ
What are quiet hours for short-term rentals in NYC?
NYC's Noise Code (Admin. Code §24-231) sets quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., during which residential noise cannot exceed 45 dB(A) measured inside a neighboring dwelling. Short-term rental hosts and guests must comply with these limits.
Can guests play music outside on a balcony or in the yard?
Sound-reproduction devices may not be operated so they are audible from 25 feet away or in another residence under Admin. Code §24-244. Outdoor amplified music at a short-term rental is likely to violate the Noise Code, especially during quiet hours.
What happens if there are repeated noise complaints at a registered STR?
Repeated noise complaints can result in DEP and NYPD violations and may be considered by the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement when reviewing or revoking the host's Local Law 18 registration under Admin. Code §26-3102.
Philadelphia FAQ
Are short-term rentals required to set quiet hours for guests?
Philadelphia does not mandate that STR hosts post specific quiet-hour rules, but the 10 PM-7 AM citywide quiet hours under §10-403 apply to guests automatically. The Department of Licenses and Inspections' Limited Lodging FAQ strongly recommends that hosts post house rules referencing the 10 PM quiet-hours expectation and provide a 24/7 contact for neighbor complaints, because Bill 220754 makes the host responsible for guest conduct.
Can I lose my STR license over noise complaints?
Yes. Under Phila. Code §14-604(13)(g), limited lodging cannot alter the residential character of the neighborhood. L&I treats repeated substantiated noise complaints as evidence of a violation, and three or more in a 12-month period can trigger a nuisance designation and revocation proceeding. The host's license — not just the guest's stay — is at risk.
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