%20--%3e%3cg%3e%3cg%20id='Logotype'%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M46.37,250.9L136.63,28.98H0v237.25C0,296.87,21.93,318.83,52.56,318.83v-.03h160.64v-154.45l-156.9,95.23c-5.8,3.71-12.82-2.05-9.94-8.68Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M347.35,104.3c-68.33,0-115.93,44.71-115.93,108.91s47.6,108.9,115.93,108.9,115.93-44.72,115.93-108.9-47.6-108.91-115.93-108.91ZM347.35,255.04c-24.41,0-42.23-17.39-42.23-41.8s17.79-41.83,42.23-41.83,42.23,17.39,42.23,41.83-17.79,41.8-42.23,41.8Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M633.86,118.01c0,3.31-3.71,3.31-7.02,1.66-18.22-9.54-32.29-15.3-53-15.3-56.71,0-95.62,42.66-95.62,108.08s39.32,109.7,93.14,109.7v-.03c21.93,0,35.61-7.02,56.31-19.87,3.71-2.48,8.28-1.66,6.19,3.71l-5.36,12.85h86.51V28.98h-81.15v89.03ZM594.11,255.04c-24.41,0-42.23-17.39-42.23-41.8s17.79-41.83,42.23-41.83,42.23,17.39,42.23,41.83-17.79,41.8-42.23,41.8Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M1406.03,107.65l-23.58,112.61c-1.66,8.68-11.59,9.11-13.65-.4l-24.84-112.22h-94.79c-39.32,0-51.74-11.99-51.74-29.81s10.33-28.15,27.72-28.15c20.27,0,30.64,16.16,32.69,32.29h79.5C1325.35,29.38,1286.43,0,1230.52,0,1168.85,0,1130.32,36.04,1130.32,91.09v16.56h-44.71v67.07h44.71v144.08h81.15v-143.68h70.23l46.53,124.21c3.31,8.28,2.88,17.39-.4,26.1l-28.55,68.73h80.25l120.47-286.51h-93.97Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M886.41,117.98c0,3.31-3.71,3.31-7.02,1.66-19.87-9.94-34.35-15.3-54.65-15.3-60.45,0-93.97,49.29-93.97,107.65,0,64.59,37.26,98.54,87.77,98.54,23.19,0,40.57-7.02,62.1-19.47,5.37-3.31,9.51-.4,7.45,4.57-9.11,20.7-28.55,31.47-59.62,31.47h-83.2v67.07h98.5c72.04,0,123.78-47.63,123.78-114.67V107.65h-81.15v10.33ZM846.67,255.04c-24.41,0-42.23-17.39-42.23-41.8s17.79-41.83,42.23-41.83,42.23,17.39,42.23,41.83-17.79,41.8-42.23,41.8Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M1026.35,18.18c-26.1,0-44.71,16.16-44.71,39.35s18.61,39.35,44.71,39.35,44.72-16.16,44.72-39.35-18.62-39.35-44.72-39.35Z'/%3e%3crect%20fill='%23141313'%20x='985.78'%20y='107.65'%20width='81.15'%20height='211.15'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
What is a Registration Number?
A registration number, also known as a license or permit number, is a unique code assigned to a vacation rental property by a local governing body. It serves as official proof that the property has met the necessary legal and safety requirements to operate as a short-term rental in that jurisdiction.
Many cities and regions mandate that this number be prominently displayed on all listing sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and a host's direct booking website.
Join the Lodgify newsletter
How it works
To obtain a registration number, a property owner or manager must typically submit an application to the relevant local authority, such as a city planning department or tourism board. This process often involves providing documentation like proof of ownership, liability insurance, floor plans, and evidence of safety compliance (e.g., fire extinguishers, smoke detectors).
Once the application is reviewed and approved, the authority issues the unique registration number. The host is then responsible for adding this number to their property listings across all distribution channels as required by law.
Why it matters
A registration number is crucial for legal compliance, as operating without one in a regulated area can lead to substantial fines, delisting from OTAs, and potential legal action. For local governments, these numbers are a key tool for tracking the short-term rental market, ensuring properties adhere to safety standards, and collecting applicable occupancy taxes.
Displaying a valid number also adds a layer of trust and legitimacy for guests, assuring them that the property is a lawful and regulated business. Managing this requirement across multiple platforms is a key operational task, which property management software like Lodgify helps centralize.
Examples
- A host in Lisbon obtains their 'Alojamento Local' registration number and adds it to their Airbnb and Booking.com listings to comply with Portuguese regulations.
- A property manager in San Diego is fined because one of their managed rentals was advertised online without displaying its required Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license number.
- Before booking a stay in Barcelona, a traveler confirms that the apartment listing includes a valid tourism registry number, which gives them confidence in the property's legality.
- A new host in a resort town discovers they must first apply for and receive a short-term rental permit number from the county before they can legally accept any bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a registration number for my vacation rental?+
Does my registration number need to be on my listings?+
What happens if I operate without a required registration number?+
Is a registration number different from a business license?+
Related terms
Business License
A business license for a vacation rental is an official permit issued by a government authority, granting the holder the legal right to operate a short-term…
City Tax
City tax is a locally imposed tax levied on guests staying in short-term accommodations, including vacation rentals, with the revenue typically used to fund…
Occupancy Tax
Occupancy tax is a tax levied on the rental of short-term accommodations, which hosts are legally required to collect from guests and remit to local or state…
Zoning Laws
Zoning laws are municipal or county regulations that dictate how property in specific geographic zones can be used, which directly impacts the legality and…