Registration Rules: New York vs Philadelphia
How do registration rules rules compare between New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA?
New York and Philadelphia have similar restriction levels.
New York, NY
New York County
All Manhattan STR hosts must register with the NYC Mayor Office of Special Enforcement under Local Law 18. Platforms must verify registration before processing any booking under 30 days.
View full New York rules →Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia STR hosts must register with L&I, obtain a Commercial Activity License, and display license number on all listings. Annual renewal required with updated inspection.
View full Philadelphia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | New York | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Registrar | Mayor OSE | - |
| Required | All under-30-day rentals | - |
| Proof needed | Primary residence, ID | - |
| Platform verification | Required by law | - |
| Fines | Up to $5,000+ | - |
| Steps | - | CAL plus L&I license |
| Inspection | - | Fire/life safety |
| Display | - | License number required |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
| Code | - | Phila. 9-3806 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
New York FAQ
How long does registration take?
Processing times vary. Submit well in advance of planned bookings and monitor your OSE application.
Can a tenant register without the landlord?
No. Written owner or managing agent consent is required for rental units.
Philadelphia FAQ
Can I rent my entire home while away?
Yes, but only if it is your primary residence, and only for up to 180 days per year total.
What if I rent an investment property short-term?
Investment properties (non-primary residence) need a Rental License with hotel designation ($63/unit/year) and Visitor Accommodation zoning approval, not a Limited Lodging license.
Compare other topics
See how New York and Philadelphia compare on other ordinance categories.
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