Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Greenwich Village?

Short-term rentals are permitted in New York City, but with stringent conditions that fundamentally reshape how they can operate. The core rule is that an entire apartment or home in a building with three or more units cannot be rented for fewer than 30 days. However, a permanent resident may rent a single room in their primary residence while they are present, provided the host is properly registered with the City and complies with all requirements. In Greenwich Village—located in Manhattan Community District 2 and within the Special Greenwich Village Historic District—the municipal rules described here apply; there are no separate neighborhood-level statutes that supersede Local Law 18 and the adopted NYC rules. Therefore, in Greenwich Village: entire-unit STRs are not allowed; room rentals by the permanent resident are allowed if fully compliant.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

• Confirm eligibility. You must be a permanent resident of the unit, and the unit must be your primary residence. You may rent only a single room, and you must be present during the guest stay. Entire-unit rentals of any apartment in a building with three or more units are prohibited for stays under 30 days.
• Register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE). New York City requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain a registration number before listing and to renew annually. Booking services cannot process transactions for unregistered listings.
• Prepare your home for safe occupancy and compliance. Your unit must meet applicable safety requirements under the Housing Maintenance Code and Fire Code (e.g., working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; clear egress; self-closing doors where required; FDNY certificate of fitness for certain devices).
• Create your listing. Advertising is permitted only if you include your valid NYC short-term rental registration number, accurate address, and maximum occupancy. Any statement implying the unit is a “hotel” or available for sub-30-day stays in violation of the law is prohibited.
• Collect and remit occupancy taxes and any applicable sales taxes as required by New York State. The City’s OSE adopts rules to implement registration and enforcement; tax treatment may vary by hosting arrangement and should be confirmed with state/local guidance.
• Maintain records. Keep guest registries, proof of registration, communications, and any inspection or safety documentation for potential enforcement review.
• Engage the community. Greenwich Village is a historic, residential neighborhood; maintaining positive relationships with neighbors and local businesses is critical to sustainable operations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• NYC Short-Term Rental Registration (OSE)
  • Required for any short-term rental activity; registration number must appear on all listings.
  • Evidence of primary residence and permanent resident status (e.g., lease or deed demonstrating residency, utility bills, government mail).
  • Photo ID and property ownership/occupancy documentation.
• Housing Maintenance Code and Fire Code Compliance
  • FDNY certificate of fitness may be required for specific installations or devices.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; fire extinguishers; self-closing doors where applicable; safe egress pathways.
  • Evidence of compliance may be requested by OSE during enforcement actions.
• Advertising and Listing Requirements
  • Registration number, address, and maximum occupancy must be displayed on all listings and advertisements.
  • Misleading statements implying illegal transient use are prohibited.
  • Only one room may be listed per unit; no entire-unit listings are permitted in 3+ unit buildings.
• Business and Tax Filings
  • New York State sales tax and NYC hotel occupancy tax registrations may be required depending on the hosting structure.
  • Maintain records for audits and OSE enforcement.
• Insurance
  • While not mandated in the rule text provided, robust liability and property coverage is strongly recommended.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (City/County/State)

• City of New York (Local Law 18 of 2022 and OSE Adopted Rules)
  • Registration required; booking services must not process transactions for unregistered listings.
  • Entire-unit rentals for fewer than 30 days are prohibited in buildings with three or more units.
  • Only a permanent resident may rent a room within their primary residence, and the host must be present during the guest stay.
  • Listings must include the registration number, unit address, and maximum occupancy.
  • Compliance with Housing Maintenance Code and Fire Code is mandatory; OSE can inspect for safety and compliance.
• State of New York
  • Sales tax and NYC hotel occupancy tax obligations may apply; consult New York State and NYC tax guidance to confirm applicability for your hosting arrangement.
  • Multi-unit buildings where the host does not permanently reside may be subject to multiple restrictions under state and city law; operate only within lawful parameters.

Contact Information for the Local Authority in Charge of STRs

• Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 212-393-2066
  • Website: rules.cityofnewyork.us/rule/registration-and-requirements-for-short-term-rentals/
• 311 (Citywide Helpline for compliance questions, complaints, and service requests)
  • Phone: 311 (within NYC); 212-639-9675 (outside NYC)

Links to Source Pages

• Registration and Requirements for Short-Term Rentals (Adopted Rule): rules.cityofnewyork.us/rule/registration-and-requirements-for-short-term-rentals/
• Proposed Rule Full Text (PDF): rules.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Proposed-Rules-Registration-and-Requirements-for-Short-Term-Rentals-Second-Notice-with-certifications.pdf
• Adopted Rule Full Text (PDF): rules.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/FINAL-RULES-GOVERNING-REGISTRATION-AND-REQUIREMENTS-FOR-SHORT-TERM-RENTALS-1.pdf
• Hearing Transcripts and Chats (PDF): rules.cityofnewyork.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SHORT-TERM-RENTAL-PUBLIC-HEARINGS-TRANSCRIPTS-AND-CHATS.pdf

Notes:

• This guide focuses on NYC-level rules; there are no separate Greenwich Village–specific statutes or permits in the provided materials.
• Compliance with OSE rules and documentation is mandatory. If your property is in a building with three or more units, you may not list the entire apartment; renting a single room as the permanent resident while you are present remains the viable pathway.