What is a Short-Term Rental Registration Number?
A Short-Term Rental Registration Number is a unique identification code issued by a government authority, such as a city or county, to a property owner or manager. This number certifies that the rental property is legally permitted to operate as a short-term lodging establishment.
Displaying this number on public listings is often mandatory and serves as proof of compliance with local regulations regarding safety, zoning, and taxation.
Join the Lodgify newsletter
How it works
To obtain a registration number, a host must typically submit an application to the relevant local municipal department. This process usually involves providing documentation, such as proof of ownership, liability insurance, and completed safety inspections, along with paying an application or licensing fee.
Once the application is approved, the authority issues a unique number. The host is then required to display this number on all advertisements for the property, including listings on OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo, as well as on their own direct booking website.
Why it matters
This number is crucial for legal operation, as it helps hosts avoid substantial fines, penalties, and delisting from booking platforms. For guests, it provides a level of trust and safety, confirming that the property adheres to local standards.
For municipalities, registration numbers are a vital tool for enforcing regulations, monitoring the impact of STRs on housing, and ensuring the proper collection of lodging or transient occupancy taxes.
Examples
- In British Columbia, a property manager is required to enter their provincial registration number into a dedicated field when setting up a new property profile on Vrbo.
- Following the rules of New York's Local Law 18, a host must have their registration number visible on their Airbnb profile page for any short-term stay advertisement.
- A host in Lisbon must obtain and display a 'Número de Registo de Alojamento Local' (AL) on their Booking.com listing to operate legally.
- Before renting out her San Diego condo for less than 30 days, an owner applies for a Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) license number and adds it to her direct booking website's footer.
Frequently asked questions
Where must I display my short-term rental registration number?+
What happens if I don't have a legally required registration number?+
Do all cities and countries require a registration number for vacation rentals?+
What is the process for obtaining a registration number?+
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…
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…
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax levied by local or state governments on the rental of short-term accommodations, such as vacation rentals, hotels, and…
STR Permit
An STR permit is an official license issued by a local government authority that legally allows a property to be operated as a short-term rental.
