Albany County moves to create short-term rental registry

Albany is implementing new rules for short-term rentals like Airbnbs, impacting our community’s peace, property values, and overall feel. Initially, the city started with permits in 2023, but now, counties have the green light to get serious. By March 2025, all NY state STR operators must register, and Albany County is proposing a registry, hotel tax potentially generating $975,000, with fines for non-compliance, plus the City of Albany expects licenses, safety checks and occupancy limits.

Residents are concerned about noise, loss of long-term rentals, and safety, while hosts worry about stifled income, meanwhile Albany county wants fair taxes between hotels and STRs, as well as more revenue for tourism. These changes aim for safer, more accountable rentals, but enforcement will be key.

Read the full story from Times Union here.