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Is Airbnb legal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Investor rentals allowed only in commercial or mixed-use zoning. Philadelphia licenses non-primary-residence STRs as Visitor Accommodation, but only in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts such as CMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5. A typical house in a residential zone cannot be an investor STR. The rental license costs $69 per unit per year, and platforms must remove unlicensed listings.

Showing the researched rules for Philadelphia, PA below. Type your Philadelphia address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Investor rentals allowed only in commercial or mixed-use zoning

Philadelphia licenses non-primary-residence STRs as Visitor Accommodation, but only in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts such as CMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5. A typical house in a residential zone cannot be an investor STR. The rental license costs $69 per unit per year, and platforms must remove unlicensed listings.

Permit and costs

Permit
Rental License (hotel/visitor accommodation designation)
Issued by
City of Philadelphia, Dept of Licenses and Inspections
Cost
$69 per unit / year
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Zoning
investor STRs limited to commercial/mixed-use districts (CMX-3 and up, RMX)
Residential zones
whole-home investor STRs not allowed
Ad disclosure
license number on every advertisement
Exemption
Limited Lodging license exempts you from a separate rental license

Taxes

Philadelphia hotel tax
8.5%

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Check zoning district
    Verify the property sits in a commercial or mixed-use district that allows Visitor Accommodation.
  2. 2
    Get the rental license
    Apply for the Rental License with hotel designation through the city's eCLIPSE portal.
  3. 3
    Publish your license number
    Put the license number in every ad; Airbnb and Vrbo require it before listing.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
HOA or condo rules can ban STRs even in commercial zones where the city allows them.
Platform enforcement
The city tightened rules via Bill 210081; platforms must delist unlicensed units within 5 business days of notice.

Sources

City of Philadelphia license fee schedule · BNBCalc Philadelphia guide

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.