New York City vs Salt Lake City

New York Effectively Banned | Utah Effectively Banned

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

New York City charges $145 registration fee (OSE) for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. New York City renewal is every 2 years, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Effectively Banned."

Tax Obligations

In New York City, hosts pay 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax. In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in New York City face penalties including $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. In Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

New York City Overview

Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.

Contact: NYC Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement — (212) 676-4101

Full New York City guide →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in New York City or Salt Lake City?
New York City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." New York City's permit fee is $145 registration fee (OSE) compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New York City or Salt Lake City?
New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do New York City and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
New York City has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — New York City or Salt Lake City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: New York City charges $145 registration fee (OSE) for permits with 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax in taxes. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in New York City and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.