The City of Philadelphia has updated the code section that regulates short-term rentals including those listed on hosting platforms such as AirBnB, VRBO, Homeaway and more. These changes are based on Bill No. 210081 which further defines uses for all short-term rentals. 

To operate a short-term rental, the operator must obtain the necessary zoning permits and licenses. This rule was established in 2015.  Information about these zoning permits and licenses is included below in this announcement.

In compliance with this regulation, online platforms will require hosts to confirm their rentals are licensed. This means that platforms require hosts to provide their Limited Lodging License number or Rental License (for hotel use) for their listing(s). Non-compliant listings may be removed from the platform.

Online platforms originally had a deadline to confirm that all rentals from hosts are licensed by July 1, 2022. The City recognizes that many short-term rental hosts will need more time  to acquire proper zoning and licensure to avoid being delisted from platforms. Therefore, the City is extending the deadline for online platforms to collect valid license numbers to January 1, 2023 .

This deadline does not remove the legal requirement for short-term rentals to be licensed. It just extends the deadline by which platforms must collect a valid license number from hosts.

Online hosting platforms will require hosts to provide a valid license number for their listing(s) by January 1, 2023. Failure to provide a license number may result in platforms removing the listing until the license number is provided.

Short-term rental property uses have two classifications: 

The necessary zoning permit (Limited Lodging or Visitor Accommodation) must be obtained before applying for a license. Please see Step 1 for zoning permit  and Step 3 for license application details.

Please refer to the Short-term rental/limited lodging FAQ (under the “General” Section) from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) for application details and license requirements. 

Step 1. Apply for a Zoning Permit

*In the 10th Councilmanic District, a primary resident must also be the owner of the property to get this license. In all other Councilmanic Districts, you may be eligible for this license if you rent your home.

Step 2. Appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), if needed

Step 3. Complete the Limited Lodging Operator License or Rental License application