Is Airbnb legal in Philadelphia, PA?

Restricted

Airbnb is restricted in Philadelphia, PA

Two tiers: Limited Lodging by a primary resident on-site more than half the year, and non-primary Visitor Accommodations, which require a zoning permit and a hotel-designated rental license.

Philadelphia Limited Lodging & Visitor Accommodations (Bill 210081, 2021; enforced from 2023)View the ordinance

Verified July 2026. Not legal advice. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Confirm with the city before you list.

Key rules at a glance

Permit or registration

Required

Primary residence only

No

Annual night cap

Not confirmed

Registration fee

$150

How short-term rentals work in Philadelphia

The first step in Philadelphia is the city's permit or registration process, with a fee of about $150. The status card above has the full detail on the current rules.

Non-owner investors can operate in Philadelphia, but within the city's limits above. Read the ordinance closely before you buy, because permits, caps, or zoning can make a specific property ineligible.

At the state level, Pennsylvania leaves short-term rental rules to cities and counties.

What it means for investors

An STR can still work in Philadelphia, but the limits shrink the pool of eligible properties and add compliance cost. Underwrite conservatively and confirm the specific address qualifies before you commit.

Analyze a rental hereCheck long-term rent

Short-term rental rules elsewhere in Pennsylvania

Last reviewed July 2026. Informational and educational only, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Verify the current ordinance with your local jurisdiction or counsel before acting.

Frequently asked questions

Is Airbnb legal in Philadelphia?

Two tiers: Limited Lodging by a primary resident on-site more than half the year, and non-primary Visitor Accommodations, which require a zoning permit and a hotel-designated rental license. This reflects the rules as of July 2026; confirm the current ordinance with the city before you list.

Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Philadelphia?

Yes. Philadelphia requires a permit or registration to operate a short-term rental, and platforms increasingly require the permit number on the listing.

Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Philadelphia?

Yes, Philadelphia does not require you to live in the property, though other limits such as caps, zoning, or licensing may still apply.

Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent in Philadelphia?

No specific annual night cap was confirmed for Philadelphia, though minimum-stay rules or license caps may effectively limit operations. Check the ordinance.

What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Philadelphia?

Short-term rentals in Philadelphia are generally subject to state and local lodging or occupancy taxes on top of income tax. Airbnb and VRBO collect some of these automatically, but not always all of them, so confirm the current rate and who remits it with Pennsylvania and the city.