New York City vs Washington DC
New York Effectively Banned | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New York City, New York | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Washington DC has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Washington DC has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full New York City guide →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in New York City or Washington DC?
New York City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." New York City's permit fee is $145 registration fee (OSE) compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New York City or Washington DC?
New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.