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Rensselaer County, NY Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: NY Property Maintenance Code 404 →

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Key Facts

Standard: 2 per bedroom plus 2
Code: NY Property Maintenance 404.5
Troy: Per registration certificate
Events: Often restricted/banned
Children: Under 2 typically not counted

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Rensselaer County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Occupancy generally capped at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, consistent with NY Property Maintenance Code. Troy limits commercial STR occupancy to amounts listed on the registration certificate.

Full Breakdown

New York Property Maintenance Code 404.5 establishes minimum sleeping area standards: at least 70 sq ft for one occupant and 50 sq ft per additional occupant in each bedroom. The commonly adopted '2 per bedroom plus 2' formula (e.g., a 2-bedroom STR allows 6 guests) is used across Rensselaer County. Troy's STR Ordinance requires the registration certificate to state the maximum occupancy, calculated at 2 per legal bedroom plus 2 additional, with a hard cap at the Property Maintenance Code square-footage minimums. Children under 2 are typically not counted. Events (parties, weddings, receptions) are restricted in nearly all town STR rules: Troy and East Greenbush prohibit events exceeding the maximum registered occupancy. Some towns ban events outright at STRs.

Violations & Fines

Troy STR Ordinance: occupancy over limit up to $500 per occurrence; repeated violations (3 in 12 months) trigger registration revocation. Property Maintenance Code violations: $250-$1,000 per day plus potential code enforcement order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can stay in my 3-bedroom Troy STR?

The 2-per-bedroom-plus-2 formula yields 8 guests, but the Troy registration certificate sets the legal maximum based on actual bedroom square footage and life-safety factors like egress.

Can I host a wedding reception at my Rensselaer County STR?

Most towns prohibit events at STRs that exceed registered occupancy. Troy prohibits commercial events at STRs. Check with the specific town zoning office.

Do children count toward the limit?

Varies by town. Troy counts children 2 and older toward occupancy; infants under 2 in a crib are typically excluded. Always confirm with local code.

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Rensselaer County, NY Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws

Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping

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