Photo: stockcam / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images
Short-term rental (STR) owners in Oneida County, New York, must register their properties by January 1, 2026, to continue listing them on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, and TripAdvisor. This requirement aligns with a New York State law enacted in February 2025, which mandates counties to establish a registry for short-term rentals.
Once registered, online booking platforms will collect a 5% occupancy tax from patrons on behalf of the county. This is in addition to the existing 8.75% sales tax. If a platform does not remit the tax, or if a host books rentals independently, the host is responsible for collecting and remitting the tax directly to the county.
County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. emphasized that the new regulations aim to ensure fairness and transparency in the lodging industry while supporting local services. "These new requirements ensure fairness, transparency, and a level playing field in the lodging industry," Picente said.
Registration is free and can be completed online. Hosts must include their County-issued registration number in all advertisements and online listings. Failure to register will prohibit hosts from listing their properties until compliance is achieved.
Several hundred STR units operate in Oneida County each month. Active hosts will receive reminders to register, but all hosts are responsible for completing registration by the deadline. County officials are urging hosts to complete the process promptly to avoid disruptions in their rental operations.