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Saratoga Springs

New York · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Saratoga Springs Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateSaratoga County occupancy tax: ~1% of listing price per night; NY State sales tax: ~7% in Saratoga County. State platforms must collect/remit under S.
Night / Day Cap150 days per calendar year (applies to both primary and non-primary residences; days need not be consecutive).
Minimum StaySTR defined as rental of less than 30 consecutive days.
Permit Fee2026 primary residence license fee: $100.00/year; 2026 non-primary residence license fee: $750.00/year. Licenses are annual and non-transferable. NYS
PenaltiesViolations of Ch. 136A or a permit issued thereunder are subject to code enforcement action, fines, and potential city action in NY State Supreme Cour
Occupancy LimitMaximum occupancy per property; notification to occupants regarding parking restrictions required. No septic inspection required but septic/parking no
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Saratoga Springs Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Saratoga Springs Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Saratoga Springs, New York are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are 2026 primary residence license fee: $100.00/year; 2026 non-primary residence license fee: $750.00/ye.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Saratoga Springs

Short-term rental operators in Saratoga Springs should be aware of these tax obligations: Saratoga County occupancy tax: ~1% of listing price per night; NY State sales tax: ~7% in Saratoga County. State platforms must collect/remit under S.885C/A.4130C (eff. March 2025). City does not maintain a public registry of licensed STRs..

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Saratoga Springs

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Saratoga Springs include: Rental day cap: 150 days per calendar year (applies to both primary and non-primary residences; days need not be consecutive).. Occupancy limit: Maximum occupancy per property; notification to occupants regarding parking restrictions required. No septic inspection . Minimum stay: STR defined as rental of less than 30 consecutive days..

Zoning and Location Requirements in Saratoga Springs

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Saratoga Springs: Both primary and non-primary residences may be licensed. No confirmed zoning overlay restriction beyond the licensing/day-cap framework of Ch. 136A.. Density rules: No limit on the number of licenses issued in the first year (year 1 cap explicitly removed). City reserves the right to limit numbers in future years.. Insurance: Yes — minimum $300,000 liability insurance coverage required (same standard as proposed by New York .

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Saratoga Springs

Hosts who fail to comply with Saratoga Springs's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Violations of Ch. 136A or a permit issued thereunder are subject to code enforcement action, fines, and potential city action in NY State Supreme Court (city may seek reimbursement of legal fees). Unl.

Platform Obligations in Saratoga Springs

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Saratoga Springs: Under NYS S.885C/A.4130C (eff. March 25, 2025), platforms must verify registrations and remove unregistered listings; must collect/remit applicable state sales and occupancy taxes. City licensing prog.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
2026 primary residence license fee: $100.00/year; 2026 non-primary residence license fee: $750.00/year. Licenses are annual and non-transferable. NYS STR registry required separately (no additional fee confirmed for state portion).
Night / Day Cap
150 days per calendar year (applies to both primary and non-primary residences; days need not be consecutive).
Occupancy Limit
Maximum occupancy per property; notification to occupants regarding parking restrictions required. No septic inspection required but septic/parking notification to occupants mandatory.
Tax Rate
Saratoga County occupancy tax: ~1% of listing price per night; NY State sales tax: ~7% in Saratoga County. State platforms must collect/remit under S.885C/A.4130C (eff. March 2025). City does not maintain a public registry of licensed STRs.
Zoning Restrictions
Both primary and non-primary residences may be licensed. No confirmed zoning overlay restriction beyond the licensing/day-cap framework of Ch. 136A.
Minimum Stay
STR defined as rental of less than 30 consecutive days.
Density Rules
No limit on the number of licenses issued in the first year (year 1 cap explicitly removed). City reserves the right to limit numbers in future years.
Insurance Required
Yes — minimum $300,000 liability insurance coverage required (same standard as proposed by New York State). Proof of insurance (deed or property tax bill + insurance documentation) required at application.
Platform Obligations
Under NYS S.885C/A.4130C (eff. March 25, 2025), platforms must verify registrations and remove unregistered listings; must collect/remit applicable state sales and occupancy taxes. City licensing program is separate from state registry — both are required.
Compliance Notes
Saratoga Springs enacted its first-ever comprehensive STR regulations via Local Law No. 5 of 2024 (Chapter 136A of the City Code), approved unanimously 5-0 by City Council in December 2024, effective June 1, 2025. Key requirements: (1) annual license required from Dept. of Accounts; (2) two tiers: primary residence ($100) and non-primary ($750); (3) 150-day annual rental cap; (4) minimum $300,000 liability insurance; (5) signed affidavit of compliance with Ch. 136A; (6) licenses not transferable — new owner must obtain new license upon sale, gift, or bequest; (7) property contact must be within 50 miles; (8) no illegal conduct on property; (9) trash/refuse not to be stored in public view; (10) Fire Dept. automatically notified upon application. Grace period for enforcement of unlicensed operations (enforcement only — license still required). Application submitted online only via city portal. Complaints: STR@saratogaspringsny.gov or SSPD non-emergency line 518-584-1800.
Effective Date
Local Law No. 5 of 2024 (Ch. 136A); effective June 1, 2025. NYS STR Registry: March 25, 2025.
Key Notes
Saratoga Springs' 150-day annual cap is the defining restriction, applying equally to primary and non-primary residences — a deliberately balanced approach. The two-tier fee structure ($100 vs $750) incentivizes owner-occupied STRs. The city explicitly does NOT maintain a public list of licensed STRs. Both the city license AND the NYS state registry registration are required and are separate obligations. Saratoga County has not yet formalized county-level STR regulations as of mid-2026.
Penalties
Violations of Ch. 136A or a permit issued thereunder are subject to code enforcement action, fines, and potential city action in NY State Supreme Court (city may seek reimbursement of legal fees). Unlicensed operation can result in enforcement action even during the grace period (grace applies only to timing of enforcement, not the requirement itself). NY State civil penalties up to $7,500/violation for unlawful advertising.
Additional Context
Saratoga Springs is a major tourist destination with peak demand during the horse racing season (July–August). The City explicitly notes that the local licensing program does NOT satisfy the NYS state registration requirement (S.885C/A.4130C). Hosts must register separately with the NY Dept. of Tax and Finance at tax.ny.gov for state sales tax collection. Saratoga County has not formalized county-level STR regulations as of the city's own FAQ (updated June 2026).
Sources
City of Saratoga Springs Official STR Page: https://www.saratogaspringsny.gov/2761/Short-Term-Residential-Rentals-STR
City of Saratoga Springs STR Legislation (Ch. 136A): https://www.saratoga-springs.org/DocumentCenter/View/16969/Short-Term-Rental-Registry-Proposed-Legislation
NYS DOS STR Registry: https://dos.ny.gov/short-term-rentals
NYS Tax Dept. STR Info: https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/publications/sales/short-term-rental.htm
NYSAC: https://www.nysac.org/issues/short-term-rentals/
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Saratoga Springs?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Saratoga Springs with proper registration and permits. Saratoga Springs enacted its first-ever comprehensive STR regulations via Local Law No. 5 of 2024 (Chapter 136A of the City Code), approved unanimously 5-0 by City Council in December 2024, effective

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Saratoga Springs?

Yes. Saratoga Springs requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Saratoga Springs?

Short-term rental hosts in Saratoga Springs are subject to the following tax obligations: Saratoga County occupancy tax: ~1% of listing price per night; NY State sales tax: ~7% in Saratoga County. State platforms must collect/remit under S.885C/A.4130C (eff. March 2025). City does not maintain a public registry of licensed STRs..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Saratoga Springs?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Saratoga Springs may face enforcement. Violations of Ch. 136A or a permit issued thereunder are subject to code enforcement action, fines, and potential city action in NY State Supreme Court (city may seek reimbursement of legal fees). Unlicensed operation can result in enforcement action.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Saratoga Springs?

Saratoga Springs' 150-day annual cap is the defining restriction, applying equally to primary and non-primary residences — a deliberately balanced approach. The two-tier fee structure ($100 vs $750) incentivizes owner-occupied STRs. The city explicitly does NOT maintain a public list of licensed STRs. Both the city license AND the NYS state registry registration are required and are separate oblig

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