🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Albany County, NY

Short‑Term Rentals Added to Hotel Occupancy Tax

Photo by nextdoor.com

Albany County has approved legislation applying its 6.5% hotel occupancy tax to short‑term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo. The measure, passed by the County Legislature, is designed to level the playing field between traditional hotels and the fast‑growing STR market.

📖 Regulation & Policy

The law also creates a registration and reporting system requiring property owners to register units, obtain a registration number, and file periodic tax returns. County leaders estimate the change could generate nearly $1 million annually in new revenue once fully implemented.

Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham called the move “overdue,” emphasizing fairness and the need to support tourism and economic development. Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham echoed that sentiment:

“This is about fairness, and about creating a level playing field for everyone who supplies short‑term housing in Albany County.”

Albany approves tax on short-term rentals

The Albany County Legislature passed a 6.5% tax on short-term rentals, requiring operators to register and collect the tax from renters.

Gazette News Group, Inc.Gino Diminich II

Registration Form for Hotels in Albany County

Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Form - 6.5%

Letter to Hotel Owners re: 6.5% Occupancy Tax

🎤 Community Feedback

Supporters of the ordinance argued that STRs should contribute equally to county revenues that fund tourism promotion and regional venues like the MVP Arena and Albany Capital Center. Legislator Lynne Lekakis said treating all rentals equally will help sustain Albany’s growing vitality and visitor economy.

County Executive Daniel P. McCoy added: “For too long, traditional lodging providers have operated under different obligations than short‑term rental websites. By applying the existing occupancy tax to short‑term rentals, we are ensuring fairness across the industry.”

Not everyone agreed. Legislator Paul Burgdorf criticized the measure as a “one‑size‑fits‑all arrangement” that treats large real estate companies and small homeowners the same. He argued the tax could burden residents renting rooms to cover property taxes, calling it “another unfunded mandate by the state.”

🏠 Housing & Enforcement

Beyond revenue, county leaders said the law provides tools to track rental activity and enforce compliance. Registration numbers and tax filings will help identify operators and ensure STRs contribute fairly to services and infrastructure.

Majority Leader Dennis Feeney described the measure as a “balanced approach,” noting the county is still evaluating how STRs affect neighborhoods, housing availability, and local infrastructure. The Democratic Majority emphasized that responsible fiscal policy must adapt to changing housing and tourism trends.

📍Regional Context

Albany’s action follows state‑level legislation enabling counties to regulate and tax STRs. Across New York and the U.S., municipalities are adopting similar measures to address fairness concerns and capture revenue from the booming STR market.

While some communities have imposed stricter caps or bans, Albany opted for taxation and registration — a model intended to integrate STRs into the existing hospitality framework rather than restrict them outright.

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➡️ Looking Ahead

The law is expected to deliver nearly $1 million annually in new revenue, funding tourism promotion and supporting major venues. County leaders say the registry will also improve oversight, ensuring STRs are monitored like hotels.

Opponents remain concerned about impacts on affordability and small property owners. Burgdorf warned that the tax could discourage residents from renting rooms, while supporters argue the measure is essential for fairness and fiscal stability.

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