October 2024
Disclaimer. This page is intended solely to assist you in understanding the regulations you may need to comply with. The information provided here is not exhaustive and may not reflect the most current legal standards. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws. For further guidance, please contact your local tax authorities or consult with a qualified legal or tax professional.
In April 2022, Bill n°210081 entered into effect and introduced a new licensing scheme in Philadelphia. Please check the Philadelphia Code, in particular Chapter 9-3900, Chapter 14-604 and Chapter 19-2400.
For any further questions on short-term rental rules and regulations, please check this official page and this official FAQ. You may also contact Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspection at (215) 686-8686.
Applicable taxes
Your hosting activity may be subject to taxes. Please note misterb&b registered with State and local tax authorities to collect the following taxes on your behalf, where relevant. For more information, check our FAQ about US sales/occupancy tax collection by misterb&b.
You remain responsible for registering for, collecting and/or remitting any other taxes applicable to your hosting activity.
Short-term rental zoning
In Philadelphia, short-term rental of private properties is the provision of temporary lodging for no more than 30 consecutive days.
- Limited Lodging. If you host Guests in your primary residence - the unit you occupy at least half of the year - you offer a Limited Lodging. It is an accessory use of a primary residence (normally dedicated to residential use). Consequently, you cannot rent out your entire primary residence (in your absence) for more than 180 days per year.
- Visitor Accommodation. When you do not accommodate Guests in your primary residence, you offer a Visitor Accommodation. It is defined as a commercial use that functions as a business - so such use will not be accepted in residential areas.
Zoning permit
You must obtain a zoning permit, according to the type of hosting (Limited Lodging or Visitor Accommodation). You can complete the procedure online through eCLIPSE.
For more information about zoning permits, check this official page.
Licenses
- Commercial Activity License. Operating a STR business requires a Commercial Activity License. You can apply online through eCLIPSE. Please note you may need to get a Business Income and Receipts Tax ID first. For more information about this license, check this official page.
- Short-term rental license. A license is required to rent out a property for stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer. If you operate a Limited Lodging (in his primary residence), a Limited Lodging Operator License is required. In other cases, a Rental License is required.
You must add the STR license number to your misterb&b listing(s) (go to the “Local Requirements and Taxes” page, via “Edit my listing”). In the absence of a valid STR license number, misterb&b may delete your listing.
Limited Lodging conditions
- Occupancy limits. The unit cannot be occupied by more than 3 people (including the owner and renters) who aren’t related by blood, marriage, life partnership, adoption, or foster-child status.
- Respect for the residential character. Limited lodging should not impact the residential character of the residential building in which it is located and of the neighborhood. Limited lodging must not, for example, generate noise, vibration, glare, odors, or other effects that unreasonably interfere with any person's enjoyment of his or her residence.
- Prohibition of discriminations. All Limited Lodgings are subject to the Fair Practices Ordinance.
Maintaining compliance
- Fire and safety. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed throughout the dwelling unit in accordance with the Philadelphia Fire Code.
- Noise prevention. You must notify the Guests that excessive noise is prohibited per Chapter 10-400 of the Philadelphia Code, and that violators will be subject to fines and penalties.
- Information to the Guests. You must notify the Guests of the trash and recycling collection days and any trash disposal rules and regulations. Proper containers shall be provided.
- Contact information for Guest’s complaints. You must provide contact information to the Guests. The contact person must be ready to handle any complaints from the Guests at any time.
Third-party rules
- Community rules. You must abide by other contracts or rules binding you, such as co-op rules, CC&Rs, HOA rules, or other rules established by tenant organizations.
- Lease contract. If you are a renter, you must get the written permission from your landlord to use the property as a Limited Lodging.
Data-sharing and privacy
Please note misterb&b is required by law to save and share with the city of Philadelphia some of your information. It includes, without limitation, your name, your license’s details and the address of the property you are renting out.
By using misterb&b and accepting our Terms and Conditions, you consent to the collection, retention, use and disclosure (in accordance with all legal obligations and processes) of your information.