Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ithaca?

**Yes**, Ithaca requires a Short-Term Rental Operating Permit through the Building Department. You need to apply for this permit even if you are only renting out a room in your own home. The city also requires a fire inspection before approval. Failure to obtain a permit can result in fines.

What is the TOT tax rate in Ithaca, NY?

**8% TOT** is the total local lodging tax rate for short-term rentals in Ithaca. This consists of a 5% Tompkins County Hotel Tax and a 3% City Convention Center tax. You need to collect this tax from your guests and remit it to the appropriate local tax authority, as required.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Ithaca?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Ithaca, but are strictly regulated. You need to obtain a Short-Term Rental Operating Permit, pass a fire safety inspection, and collect the required local lodging taxes. Additionally, you must notify your neighbors before submitting your permit application to the city.

How much does an STR permit cost in Ithaca?

**$250** is the annual fee for the Short-Term Rental Operating Permit in Ithaca. You need to renew this permit each year to legally operate your short-term rental. Make sure to submit your application and pay the fee through the city's Building Department to avoid any penalties.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Ithaca?

**No**, tenants are not allowed to host on Airbnb in Ithaca. Only property owners are eligible to apply for and receive a Short-Term Rental Operating Permit. Renters must have explicit permission from the property owner to operate an STR, which is unlikely to be granted.

Ithaca, NY Short-Term Rental Laws &...

Baseline Verification

80%

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals in the City of Ithaca are strictly regulated and require an annual operating permit and fire safety inspection. Hosts must collect both a 5% Tompkins County Hotel Tax and a 3% City Convention Center tax.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 36 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $250
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Ithaca, you must apply for a Short-Term Rental Operating Permit through the Building Department. Even if you only rent out a room in your own home, you must pass a fire inspection and pay an annual $250 fee. You are limited to holding one STR permit per person, and you must notify your neighbors before applying. Additionally, make sure you are collecting the full 8% in local lodging taxes, as some platforms may only collect the county portion.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

30-60 days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your exact address: If you are outside city limits in the Town of Ithaca, different rules apply.
2.The 3% Ithaca Convention Center tax is often NOT collected by platforms and must be remitted manually.
3.A mandatory fire inspection is required before the permit is issued.
4.Only one STR permit is allowed per owner/host within the city.
5.Neighbors must be formally notified of your intent to run an STR.
6.Insurance policies must specifically name the City of Ithaca as additionally insured.
7.Maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2, capped at 10.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Ithaca requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Reside in the unit for at least 184 days per year.
•Ithaca: Corporate Ban: Permits are only issued to natural persons; LLCs and corporations cannot be hosts.

Requirements(17)

•Ithaca has different permit classes: Primary Residence Permit (Entire Unit, Hosted Room, or Hosted Accessory Apartment); Seasonal Permit; Occasional Permit. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
•Ithaca STR warning: Inspection Frequency: Your Certificate of Compliance must be renewed every 3-5 years depending on the number of occupants.

Application Process(9)

•How to set up an STR in Ithaca: To host an Airbnb in the City of Ithaca, you must live in the home you are renting for at least 184 days out of the year, making it your primary residence. You need to apply for an annual $400 Short-Term Rental Operating Permit and pass a housing safety inspection to get a Certificate of Compliance. While you can rent out a room or your entire home while away, you cannot rent out a second home or investment property you don't live in. Additionally, you are responsible for collecting and paying a 5% City tax directly to Ithaca, as platforms like Airbnb do not currently collect it for the city.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Ithaca charges a registration fee of $400 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $100 (Non-refundable application fee (applied toward the total $400 permit fee upon approval)).
•Ithaca: Separate Permits: If you rent both a room in your house and an ADU on the same lot, you need two separate permits and fees.

Taxes(3)

•Ithaca: Tax Collection: Airbnb collects the 5% Tompkins County tax, but it does NOT collect the 5% City of Ithaca tax. You must remit this yourself.
•New York has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(6)

•Ithaca: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Ithaca: Unhosted Limit: If you rent the entire home while away, you are limited to a maximum of 180 days per year.
•Ithaca enforces quiet hours: Standard city noise ordinance applies.
•Ithaca limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Ithaca requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Certificate of Compliance (COC) required every 3-5 years, Exit signs required in multiple dwellings, Emergency guides for R-2 multiple dwellings.

Penalties(2)

•Ithaca enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 per day. Daily fine: $250. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Ithaca: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

•Ithaca: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Ithaca: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
•Ithaca exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

Ithaca

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(17)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Ithaca

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ithaca?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ithaca, NY?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Ithaca?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Ithaca?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Ithaca?

Related Content

Other New York Markets

Canandaigua

Dutchess County

Hammondsport

Shelate Island