New York City vs Seattle

New York Effectively Banned | Washington Legal with Permit

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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license

Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

New York City charges $145 registration fee (OSE) for STR licensing, while Seattle charges $75/year short-term rental operator license. New York City renewal is every 2 years, and Seattle renewal is annual. Overall, Seattle has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to New York City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In New York City, hosts pay 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax. In Seattle, hosts pay 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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 Seattle, violations can result in $500/day for operating without a license. 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 →

Seattle Overview

Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.

Contact: Seattle Finance & Admin Services — (206) 684-8484

Full Seattle guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in New York City or Seattle?
New York City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." New York City's permit fee is $145 registration fee (OSE) compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle. Overall, Seattle has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New York City or Seattle?
New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax, while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do New York City and Seattle have day limits for Airbnb?
New York City has no annual day limit. Seattle has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — New York City or Seattle?
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. Seattle charges $75/year short-term rental operator license with 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in New York City and Seattle makes compliance easier for beginners.