Before You Apply

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Do you live in a rent-regulated unit or in NYCHA property? 

If yes, you should not apply. Your application will be denied. 

If you’re not sure, check if your unit is rent-regulated with housing authorities using these resources: 

  • Rent Regulated Building Search at New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) 
  • Ask about your address at New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR)Also, tenants are encouraged to review their lease. If the lease says it is a rent-regulated unit, your registration application will be denied. 

 

Are you the permanent occupant of the unit? 

If not, you should not apply. Your application will be denied. 

 

Are you ure that your lease, landlord, co-op/condo board, homeowners’ association, or other building authority allows short-term rentals? 

If you're a tenant, you should discuss your short-term rental plans with your landlord. OSE is required to notify your landlord about your application. If you live in a condo, co-op, or building that is part of a homeowners’ association, OSE recommends reviewing any bylaws or rules in advance. You should also discuss your plans with the relevant governing body that oversees the property. 

Building owners are allowed to place their buildings on a prohibited buildings list if short-term rentals are prohibited in the building. If your building is on the list, you will not be able to submit an application. If you were already granted a registration and then your building is added to the prohibited building list, your registration may be revoked. Your application fee will not be refunded in either case. Discussing your plans with your landlord can help avoid these situations. 

 

Does your unit have open building code violations? 

If yes, consider correcting them before you apply. Certain violations that would endanger occupants must be corrected before OSE can grant a registration. These include, but are not limited to, the following situations: 

  • There is an uncorrected violation based on the condition of the unit 
  • There is an uncorrected violation of the fire code 
  • There is an uncorrected violation for Work without a Permit related to the condition of the unit 
  • There is a Vacate Order 
  • There is a Stop Work Order 
  • There is an uncorrected violation for Failure to File a Required Tenant Protection Plan 

Also, active Vacate Orders or Stop Work Orders must be resolved before receiving a registration. 

If you’re not sure, check the How to Correct Violations page. It contains links to the various resources you will need.

 

Once you’re clear on your eligibility, visit the What Documents Do I Need? page to get started.