STR rules by city / Philadelphia, PA
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Philadelphia, PA short-term-rental rules
Philadelphia requires a Limited Lodging Operator License ($150, renewed annually) to rent your primary residence for 30 consecutive days or fewer; a non-primary residence instead requires a Rental License with hotel designation ($69 per unit). All hosts also need a free Commercial Activity License and a zoning permit.
What does Philadelphia, PA require?
Philadelphia requires a Limited Lodging Operator License ($150, renewed annually) to rent your primary residence for 30 consecutive days or fewer; a non-primary residence instead requires a Rental License with hotel designation ($69 per unit). All hosts also need a free Commercial Activity License and a zoning permit.
How much is the Philadelphia permit fee?
Limited Lodging Operator License: $150 (a $20 non-refundable application fee applies toward it). Rental License (visitor accommodation): $69 per unit.
How often do I renew?
Annual. Both the Limited Lodging Operator License and the Rental License must be renewed annually.
Does it have to be my primary residence?
Limited Lodging requires your primary residence. Non-primary residences require a separate Rental License with hotel designation instead.
What else should I know?
- Limited Lodging requires the property to be your primary residence.
- In the Tenth Council District you must also be the property owner.
- Non-primary residences need a Rental License with hotel/visitor accommodation designation rather than the Limited Lodging license.
Source: City of Philadelphia — Get a Limited Lodging Operator License (phila.gov). Verified as of July 5, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current requirement with your city before you submit.
Philadelphia, PA short-term-rental permit questions
- Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Philadelphia, PA?
- Philadelphia requires a Limited Lodging Operator License ($150, renewed annually) to rent your primary residence for 30 consecutive days or fewer; a non-primary residence instead requires a Rental License with hotel designation ($69 per unit). All hosts also need a free Commercial Activity License and a zoning permit.
- How much does a Philadelphia short-term-rental permit cost?
- Limited Lodging Operator License: $150 (a $20 non-refundable application fee applies toward it). Rental License (visitor accommodation): $69 per unit.
- How often do I renew my Philadelphia short-term-rental registration?
- Annual. Both the Limited Lodging Operator License and the Rental License must be renewed annually.
- Does my Philadelphia short-term rental have to be my primary residence?
- Limited Lodging requires your primary residence. Non-primary residences require a separate Rental License with hotel designation instead.
Ready to register in Philadelphia?
The $49 Permit Packet turns these rules into a pre-filled, submission-ready registration packet plus a renewal calendar, with every requirement cited to Philadelphia's primary source. You review it, then submit it to the city.
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STRPermitKit is an independent document-preparation tool — not legal advice, not affiliated with Airbnb, Vrbo, or any city government; verify all requirements with your city.