How many US cities allow short-term rentals?

Based on our database of 49 major US cities, 24 cities match the criteria for this guide: These cities allow short-term rentals with a straightforward permit process. Get licensed and start hosting.

How often do STR regulations change?

Short-term rental regulations change frequently as cities adapt their policies. We verify our data against official .gov sources and update regularly, but always confirm current requirements with your local government before listing.

Cities Where Airbnb Is Legal with a Permit

These cities allow short-term rentals with a straightforward permit process. Get licensed and start hosting. (24 cities)

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

These cities offer the most straightforward path to hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms. While you still need to obtain a permit or license, the application process is relatively clear and the regulatory environment is welcoming to hosts. Permit fees, tax obligations, and renewal requirements vary significantly between cities, so it pays to compare the details before committing to a market. Most of these cities require a fire safety inspection, proof of insurance, and visible display of your permit number on all listings.

Cities

States

Platform Tax

With Day Limits

City	Status	Permit Fee	Tax Rate	Day Limit
Atlanta, Georgia (WC)	Legal with Permit	$150/year	8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax	No limit
Charlotte, North Carolina	Legal with Permit	Business license required; contact city for current fee	~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)	No limit
Columbus, Ohio	Legal with Permit	$75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)	5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax	No limit
Denver, Colorado	Legal with Permit	$100 license fee	10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)	No limit
Fort Lauderdale, Florida	Legal with Permit	$350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal	~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax)	No limit
Gatlinburg, Tennessee	Legal with Permit	$200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom	12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax	No limit
Houston, Texas (WC)	Legal with Permit	$90 registration fee	13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)	No limit
Indianapolis, Indiana	Legal with Permit	$150 one-time registration fee per property	7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)	No limit
Kansas City, Missouri (WC)	Legal with Permit	$250/year permit fee	7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax	No limit
Milwaukee, Wisconsin	Legal with Permit	$110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee	5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)	No limit
Minneapolis, Minnesota	Legal with Permit	$64 short-term rental registration fee	6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined)	No limit
Park City, Utah	Legal with Permit	$149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)	~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)	No limit
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (WC)	Legal with Permit	$50 Limited Lodging license	8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax	180 days
Phoenix, Arizona	Legal with Permit	$250/year (non-refundable)	~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)	No limit
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	Legal with Permit	$35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection)	13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax)	No limit
Raleigh, North Carolina	Legal with Permit	~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal	~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)	120 days
Sacramento, California	Legal with Permit	$230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax	12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments	90 days
San Antonio, Texas (WC)	Legal with Permit	Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee	16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county)	No limit
San Diego, California	Legal with Permit	Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)	11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)	20 days
Savannah, Georgia	Legal with Permit	$400 initial application; $250/year renewal	8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax	No limit
Scottsdale, Arizona	Legal with Permit	$250/year	~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)	No limit
Seattle, Washington (WC)	Legal with Permit	$75/year short-term rental operator license	15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)	No limit
Sedona, Arizona	Legal with Permit	$210/year	13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino)	No limit
Tampa, Florida	Legal with Permit	$50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required	~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax)	No limit

City-by-City Highlights

Atlanta, Georgia Legal with Permit

Owner-occupied and investor-owned units both allowed with a Short-Term Rental License. Must pass fire inspection and provide 24/7 local contact.

Permit: $150/year Tax: 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax Max fine: $1,000/day for operating without permit

Charlotte, North Carolina Legal with Permit

Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.

Permit: Business license required; contact city for current fee Tax: ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) Max fine: $500/day for continued non-compliance

Columbus, Ohio Legal with Permit

Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.

Permit: $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) Tax: 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax Max fine: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation

Denver, Colorado Legal with Permit

Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.

Permit: $100 license fee Tax: 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) Max fine: $999/day for unlicensed operation

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Legal with Permit

Annual registration and Certificate of Compliance required. Occupancy capped at 2 persons per bedroom. Florida DBPR state license also required.

Permit: $350 initial registration; $80–$160/year renewal Tax: ~13% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1% surtax) Max fine: $250/uncontested violation; up to $15,000/day during suspension

Gatlinburg, Tennessee Legal with Permit

Tourist Residency Permit required with annual inspection. STRs prohibited in R-1A and R-2A zones. Properties over 3 stories or 12+ occupants require sprinkler systems.

Permit: $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom Tax: 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax Max fine: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible

Houston, Texas Legal with Permit

Houston has no zoning code, so STRs are broadly permitted. Hosts must register, collect HOT, and meet fire-safety and parking standards. Deed-restricted communities may impose additional restrictions.

Permit: $90 registration fee Tax: 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) Max fine: $500/day for non-compliance

Indianapolis, Indiana Legal with Permit

Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.

Permit: $150 one-time registration fee per property Tax: 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) Max fine: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations

Kansas City, Missouri Legal with Permit

Short-term rental permits required for all listings. Both owner-occupied and investor-owned properties are eligible. Must maintain guest registry and provide local emergency contact within 30 minutes.

Permit: $250/year permit fee Tax: 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax Max fine: $500/offense for operating without permit

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Legal with Permit

Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.

Permit: $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee Tax: 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) Max fine: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses

Minneapolis, Minnesota Legal with Permit

Owners limited to one STR property plus their homesteaded residence; buildings with 20+ units capped at 10% STR units. $300,000 liability insurance and neighbor notification required.

Permit: $64 short-term rental registration fee Tax: 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined) Max fine: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses

Park City, Utah Legal with Permit

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Permit: $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) Tax: ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) Max fine: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Legal with Permit

Limited Lodging license required. Primary residence only, capped at 180 days/year for unhosted rentals. Hosted (owner-present) stays have no day cap. Must carry liability insurance.

Permit: $50 Limited Lodging license Tax: 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax Limit: 180 days/year Max fine: $300/day for unlicensed rental

Phoenix, Arizona Legal with Permit

Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.

Permit: $250/year (non-refundable) Tax: ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) Max fine: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Legal with Permit

Rental Permit Program launched December 2024. No day caps or per-owner unit limits. All rental properties must register and pass inspection.

Permit: $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) Tax: 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax) Max fine: $500/unit/month for operating without permit

Raleigh, North Carolina Legal with Permit

STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.

Permit: ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal Tax: ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) Limit: 120 days/year Max fine: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible

Sacramento, California Legal with Permit

Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.

Permit: $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax Tax: 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments Limit: 90 days/year Max fine: Contact city for current details

San Antonio, Texas Legal with Permit

Two-tier permit system (Type 1 owner-occupied, Type 2 investment). Type 2 STRs capped at 12.5% of housing per blockface; platforms must remove listings without valid permit numbers.

Permit: Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee Tax: 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) Max fine: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years

San Diego, California Legal with Permit

Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.

Permit: Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) Tax: 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) Limit: 20 days/year Max fine: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations

Savannah, Georgia Legal with Permit

STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.

Permit: $400 initial application; $250/year renewal Tax: 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax Max fine: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation

Scottsdale, Arizona Legal with Permit

Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.

Permit: $250/year Tax: ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) Max fine: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months

Seattle, Washington Legal with Permit

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.

Permit: $75/year short-term rental operator license Tax: 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) Max fine: $500/day for operating without a license

Sedona, Arizona Legal with Permit

Sedona straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties, so tax rates vary. Each unit needs its own permit. Special events (weddings, retreats) strictly prohibited. 24/7 complaint hotline: (928) 203-5110.

Permit: $210/year Tax: 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino) Max fine: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit

Tampa, Florida Legal with Permit

No city-specific STR ordinance — state DBPR license and county Business Tax Receipt are primary requirements. Florida's 2011 preemption law limits local restrictions. STRs generally allowed in commercial and mixed-use zones.

Permit: $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required Tax: ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax) Max fine: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction