Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Philadelphia strictly regulates short-term rentals under 'Limited Lodging' rules, which require the home to be the host's primary residence. Hosts must obtain a Limited Lodging Operator License, a Commercial Activity License, and comply with lead safety certification for older homes.
To host an Airbnb in Philadelphia, you must actually live in the home you are renting for at least half the year. You cannot legally rent out a second home or investment property on a short-term basis unless it is in a specific commercial zone with a hotel-style license. You'll need to get a specific city license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), show that your home is lead-safe if it's older, and pay a yearly fee of $150.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM