New York Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
New York City enacted Local Law 18, which requires STR hosts to register and be present during the stay, effectively banning most whole-apartment short-term rentals. Outside NYC, the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Hamptons are major STR markets.
NYC heavily restricted; varies elsewhere
STR license
4% state sales tax + local (NYC total ~14.75%)
Occupancy tax / TOT
NYC: under 30 days effectively banned
Maximum stay
NYC co-ops/condos widely prohibit STRs
HOA restrictions
New York Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in New York requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for NY short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local New York Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in New York can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: NYC heavily restricted; varies elsewhere — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the New York Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: NYC co-ops/condos widely prohibit STRs — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a New York Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your New York vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with NY requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete New York property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, New York occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include New York House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in New York under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
New York Occupancy Taxes & Fees
New York imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for NY vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 4% state sales tax + local (NYC total ~14.75%) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in NY |
Sample New York Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our New York-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF NEW YORK
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [New York Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [New York Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
New York Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about New York vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official New York Resources
Use these official resources for New York short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create Your New York Vacation Rental Agreement
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