Zoning Glossary

STR Registration

STR registration is the permit or certificate that a city requires a property owner to obtain before operating a short-term rental. The registration process typically involves demonstrating compliance with any applicable occupancy requirements, paying an annual fee, providing proof of liability insurance or confirming platform coverage, and attesting to compliance with safety standards. Once registered, the certificate number must ordinarily appear on all platform listings and inside the unit.

STR

In Practice

Many cities have entered into agreements with major booking platforms requiring the platforms to verify host registration numbers before accepting listings — meaning an unregistered host may be unable to publish a listing at all. Operating without registration exposes hosts to significant per-day fines and can result in listing removal. Registration requirements, renewal fees, and primary-residence conditions vary considerably by city, so verifying your specific city's STR program page before listing is the essential first step.

Related Terms

Related Guides

Source: PropertyZoned Zoning Guide — Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Regulations: Every Major US City. Last verified April 5, 2026.

Last updated: April 5, 2026
STR Registration — Zoning Term Definition | PropertyZoned