New Haven Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in New Haven,Connecticut?

Short term rental regulations in New Haven, Connecticut are not explicitly defined, but hosts are required to adhere to general rental property rules and taxes. Specifically, New Haven imposes a 6% occupancy tax on rentals of less than 30 days, which hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting12. Additionally, hosts must comply with building and safety codes, noise ordinances, and zoning regulations.

While the city does not have specific regulations for short term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO, hosts are required to register with the city and obtain a short-term rental permit2. Furthermore, hosts of two and three family non-owner-occupied properties are required to obtain a Residential Rental Business License, and properties with four or more units are also subject to this requirement1.

The city's Livable City Initiative can be contacted for questions on zoning and residential rental licenses for short-term rental properties in New Haven2. Moreover, Connecticut imposes a 6% occupancy tax on short-term rentals, and hosts are required to collect and remit this tax5.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in New Haven

In New Haven, Connecticut, individuals interested in starting a short-term rental business, such as an Airbnb or VRBO, must adhere to certain regulations and requirements. While specific short-term rental (STR) regulations are not explicitly outlined in the city's code of ordinances, hosts are subject to general rental property rules and taxes3.

To ensure compliance, individuals are advised to register with the city and obtain a short-term rental permit. Additionally, hosts must adhere to building and safety codes, noise ordinances, and zoning regulations3. The city also imposes a 6% occupancy tax on rentals of less than 30 days, which hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting3.

Furthermore, all residential rental properties in New Haven must obtain a Residential Rental Business License, with associated costs5. Although there are no specific licensing requirements for short-term rentals, hosts are required to provide certain documents, such as a photo ID with the property address and a utility bill, as part of the licensing process3.Given the lack of clear and specific regulations for short-term rentals in New Haven, enforcement is not strictly defined. While the city appears open to Airbnb and other short-term rentals operating, hosts are still required to obtain a residential rental license and collect taxes3.

To initiate a short-term rental business in New Haven, individuals should consider the following steps:

• Research the location and analyze Airbnb data.
• Find and purchase a suitable investment property.
• Apply for a residential rental license.
• Furnish and prepare the property for guests.
• Create listings on platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO3.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in New Haven

In New Haven, all residential rental properties must obtain a Residential Rental Business License to ensure basic health and safety standards are met. The cost of the license is $225 for the first 2 units and $60 for each additional unit1. This requirement helps protect the safety, health, and welfare of New Haven residents by identifying deficiencies on the premises and maintaining the character and stability of residential areas4.

Properties exempted from this licensing requirement include owner-occupied 2-3 family dwellings, hotels, motels, dormitories, and Section 8 housing1.While there are no specific short-term rental (STR) licensing requirements, hosts need to comply with the Residential Rental Business License Program, which includes an inspection and proof of ownership.

The required documents for the license application include a photo ID with the property address and a utility bill (excluding water, taxes, insurance, and mortgage)1.This licensing requirement, along with the absence of specific mention of STRs in the city’s code of ordinances, indicates the city's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents while also being open to short-term rental activities3.

Required Documents for New Haven Short Term Rentals

In New Haven, there are no specific licensing requirements for short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. However, hosts are required to comply with general rental property rules and regulations, which include obtaining a Residential Rental Business License for non-owner-occupied properties4.

The Residential Rental Business License Program in New Haven aims to protect the safety, health, and welfare of residents by identifying deficiencies on the premises and ensuring compliance with housing code standards4.To obtain a Residential Rental Business License in New Haven, hosts need to provide the following documents:

• A photo ID that shows the property address
• One utility bill (e.g., cable, phone, light, or gas) as proof of exemptions4

Additionally, short-term rental hosts in New Haven are responsible for collecting and remitting a 6% occupancy tax on rentals of less than 30 days2. This tax is imposed on the rental amount, not the charges for services, accommodations, and other amenities provided by the owner or operator7.

New Haven Short Term Rental Taxes

If you are planning to rent out your property on Airbnb or VRBO in New Haven, Connecticut, you need to be aware of the taxes you are required to collect and remit. New Haven imposes a 6% occupancy tax on rentals under 30 days, which hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting15. This tax applies to all short-term rentals, including short-term home rentals, and is subject to the room occupancy tax23.

Connecticut wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Connecticut, short-term rentals are subject to room occupancy tax. The tax applies to the facilitation of all short-term rentals, including short-term home rentals. The definition of a short-term rental includes the transfer for consideration of the occupancy in a furnished residence for 30 days or less1.Some key points about short-term rental rules in Connecticut are:

• Short-term rental operators are required to collect and remit room occupancy tax on Connecticut short-term rentals that they facilitate1.
• Rental contracts for a period of less than 90 days, including month-to-month contracts, are considered short-term rentals subject to room occupancy tax for the first 30 days of occupancy13.
• The room occupancy tax does not apply to rental contracts of any length if the owner or operator does not collect payment from the guest3.

In addition to the room occupancy tax, short-term rental operators in Connecticut must also comply with various regulations, such as building and safety codes, noise ordinances, and zoning regulations9. It is essential for hosts to be aware of these regulations and ensure their properties are in compliance to avoid any penalties or legal issues.

Does New Haven strictly enforce STR rules? Is New Haven Airbnb friendly? Do hosts operate in New Haven despite the rules?

New Haven's approach to enforcing short-term rental (STR) rules is not strictly defined due to the lack of specific regulations for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. While the city does not have explicit guidelines for these STRs, hosts are still required to adhere to general rental property rules and taxes23. The absence of clear and specific regulations for such rentals in New Haven suggests that the city may have a relatively open stance towards Airbnb and other short-term rental operations. However, hosts are still obligated to obtain a residential rental license and collect the 6% occupancy tax on rentals of less than 30 days3. This indicates that while the city may not have stringent STR regulations, it does have requirements in place that hosts must follow.

Given the lack of explicit regulations and the requirement for a residential rental license and occupancy tax, it is essential for potential hosts to thoroughly understand and comply with the existing rules and obligations in New Haven before engaging in short-term rental activities.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in New Haven

If you're interested in starting a short-term rental business in New Haven, Connecticut, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure compliance with local regulations. While New Haven does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals, hosts must comply with general rental property rules and taxes.

Here are the steps to get started:

• Research location and analyze Airbnb data: Before investing in a property, research the location and analyze Airbnb data to determine the potential demand for short-term rentals in the area.
• Find and purchase suitable investment property: Once you have identified a suitable location, find and purchase a property that meets your needs and budget.
• Apply for residential rental license: All residential rental properties in New Haven must obtain a Residential Rental Business License, which costs $225 for the first 2 units and $60 for each additional unit. This helps ensure basic health and safety standards are met.
• Furnish and prepare the property for guests: Furnish and prepare the property for guests, ensuring that it meets all building and safety codes, noise ordinances, and zoning regulations.
• Create listing on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms: Create a listing on Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental platforms to attract guests.
• Collect and remit the 6% occupancy tax on rentals of less than 30 days: Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax.

Who to contact in New Haven about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions on zoning and residential rental licenses for short-term rental properties in New Haven, contact the Livable City Initiative at 203-946-7658 or lci@newhavenct.gov5.

What do Airbnb hosts in New Haven on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Airbnb and VRBO hosts in New Haven, Connecticut are required to comply with general rental property rules and taxes. However, there is no clear information available on whether New Haven strictly enforces short-term rental rules or if it is Airbnb friendly.

According to a post on BiggerPockets6, since clear short-term rental regulations are lacking in New Haven, enforcement is not strict. The city seems open to Airbnb and other short-term rentals operating. However, hosts still need a residential rental license and to collect taxes.