When deciding whether to become an PropertyStays host, it’s important for you to understand the laws in your city. As a platform and marketplace, we don’t provide legal advice, but we do want to give you some useful links that may help you better understand laws and regulations in your town, city, county, or state. This list is not exhaustive, but it should give you a good start in understanding the kinds of laws that may apply to you. If you have questions, contact your local government, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

• Business Licenses: Many cities and counties require owners or operators of certain businesses to apply for and obtain a license before the business can be operated. Many local governments have sections of their websites explaining the business licensing process, and providing you with relevant forms and information. Contact your city or county for more information.
• Building and Housing Standards: Most local governments and many states have rules and regulations specifying minimum construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety. Certain rules applicable to residential and non-residential uses may be relevant to your listing. Some cities or counties may also require an inspection of your property to make sure it meets minimum habitability standards. Contact your local government to find out what standards apply to your listing.
• Zoning Rules: Most cities and counties have laws that set out the way you can use your home. These rules are often found in a zoning code, planning code, or city ordinances. You should consult these rules or regulations to see if your listing is consistent with current zoning requirements or use definitions, or contact your local government directly.
• Special Permit: Some cities or counties may require a special permit to rent out your home. Contact your city or county government to see if you need one, and, if you do, how to get it.
• Taxes: Many cities, counties, and states require hosts to collect a tax for each overnight stay, and pay that tax to the city or county. Contact your local government to see if you need to collect any taxes.
• Other Rules: It’s also important to understand and follow other contracts or rules, such as leases, timeshare ownership rules, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

We’re committed to working with local officials to help them understand how ProperyStays benefits our community. Where needed, we will continue to advocate for changes that will allow regular people to rent out their own homes.