Airbnb questions - Limited lodging operator license and zoning permit

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Airbnb questions - Limited lodging operator license and zoning permit

Account Closed
Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 0 votes

Hello! I am trying to set up my first airbnb listing in Philadelphia, PA. To do so airbnb is requesting that I get a Limited lodging License or a rental license with a hotel classification number.

I am in the process of applying for the limited Lodging license.

Part of the requirements for a Limited Lodging License is, I have to submit a change of use Zoning application. On my zoning application, the reviewer requested that I 1). present a license with the address of the property that I am attempting to airbnb and 2). requiring that I have lived at that location as my primary residence for 6 months

Is this something that anybody is familiar with or has experienced before? I cant say that it makes sense to me.


Thank you

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    So this came up in the Bootcamp. It is a regulation you have to manage.

    What doesn't make sense? They require that you have lived in the place for 6 months.

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  • Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    Hey @Account Closed, Philly is cracking down on STR. They are forcing owners to go through these exact steps to have a license granted.

    I personally have not rented out AirBnB in the city nor do I know of anyone doing it legally. Going through a change of use for zoning is a long process and could actually take years, lots of money and time up front with no guaranteed results.


    I would recommend going the MTR route, there are currently no restrictions for leases greater than 30 days

    [email protected]267-767-0111
    Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews
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  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    MTR in large cities is in high demand, especially if your near hospitals or collages. Check out that option and hopefully you'll have a smoother hosting experience, then trying to fight through the city regulations. 

    [email protected]330-557-3021
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  • Account Closed
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 0 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Alan Asriants:

    Hey @Account Closed, Philly is cracking down on STR. They are forcing owners to go through these exact steps to have a license granted.

    I personally have not rented out AirBnB in the city nor do I know of anyone doing it legally. Going through a change of use for zoning is a long process and could actually take years, lots of money and time up front with no guaranteed results.


    I would recommend going the MTR route, there are currently no restrictions for leases greater than 30 days


    Hey Alan, thank you very much. Super helpful. For MTRs is the typical approach creating a lease agreement? Or does one use a similar platform like Airbnb or vrbo?

    0Reply
  • Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Account Closed:
    Quote from @Alan Asriants:

    Hey @Account Closed, Philly is cracking down on STR. They are forcing owners to go through these exact steps to have a license granted.

    I personally have not rented out AirBnB in the city nor do I know of anyone doing it legally. Going through a change of use for zoning is a long process and could actually take years, lots of money and time up front with no guaranteed results.


    I would recommend going the MTR route, there are currently no restrictions for leases greater than 30 days


    Hey Alan, thank you very much. Super helpful. For MTRs is the typical approach creating a lease agreement? Or does one use a similar platform like Airbnb or vrbo?


     For marketing I think you can use furnish finder, but I would create a standard lease agreement and make sure I have an active rental license 

    [email protected]267-767-0111
    Alan Asriants - New Century Real Estate 591 Reviews
    View Page
    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Member since 2023 · 6 posts · 0 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Alan Asriants:
    Quote from @Account Closed:
    Quote from @Alan Asriants:

    Hey @Account Closed, Philly is cracking down on STR. They are forcing owners to go through these exact steps to have a license granted.

    I personally have not rented out AirBnB in the city nor do I know of anyone doing it legally. Going through a change of use for zoning is a long process and could actually take years, lots of money and time up front with no guaranteed results.


    I would recommend going the MTR route, there are currently no restrictions for leases greater than 30 days


    Hey Alan, thank you very much. Super helpful. For MTRs is the typical approach creating a lease agreement? Or does one use a similar platform like Airbnb or vrbo?


     For marketing I think you can use furnish finder, but I would create a standard lease agreement and make sure I have an active rental license 


     Thank you! 

    0Reply
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