🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Oneida County, NY

Oneida County Turns the Spotlight on Short-Term Rentals with New Registry and Tax

Oneida County has officially joined the growing list of municipalities regulating short-term rentals, with the Board of Legislators passing a law on September 10, 2025, that creates a registry for all short-term rental units and applies the county’s hotel occupancy tax to these properties effective Jan. 1, 2026. This move comes as part of an effort to better track rental activity, ensure compliance with local rules, and bring in additional revenue.

Under the new law, any unit rented for fewer than 30 days—including homes and apartments listed on platforms such as Airbnb—must now be registered with the county. Registrants will need to provide details about the property and its owner, giving county officials a clear picture of the short-term rental landscape. This registry aims to help Oneida County manage safety standards, zoning compliance, and potential impacts on neighborhoods more effectively.

Perhaps the most notable change is the application of the county’s 5% hotel occupancy tax to short-term rentals. Previously, this tax applied only to traditional hotel stays. By extending it to STRs, County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. projects that the county could generate approximately $800,000 in additional revenue annually. These funds are expected to support county services and infrastructure, offsetting some of the costs associated with tourism and increased short-term rental activity.

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The new requirements are expected to impact both property owners and guests. Hosts will need to register their units and ensure tax collection compliance, while visitors will notice the occupancy tax included in rental fees. Oneida County officials emphasized that this step is not intended to penalize hosts but rather to bring short-term rentals into the same framework as other lodging businesses, ensuring fairness and proper regulation.

Community members have expressed mixed reactions to the law. Supporters see it as a way to increase transparency and accountability, while some short-term rental operators worry about the additional administrative burden. Nevertheless, county officials have promised a clear registration process and educational resources to help property owners comply smoothly.

The registry and tax measures also signal Oneida County’s commitment to balancing the growth of short-term rentals with the interests of local residents. By formally tracking these units and integrating them into the tax system, the county can monitor rental activity, address neighborhood concerns, and ensure that all lodging options contribute fairly to the county’s budget.

As the law takes effect, Oneida County joins many other communities across New York and the United States that have recognized the importance of regulating short-term rentals while capturing tax revenue that supports local priorities. For property owners, the key takeaway is clear:

✅ register your unit,

✅ collect and remit the occupancy tax and;

✅ stay informed on any additional guidelines the county may issue in the coming months.

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