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Short-Term Rental Permit in Connecticut: Cost, Steps & How to File

Short-Term Rental Permit in Connecticut sits at the intersection of state, county, and city rules — which is why nobody gives you a single checklist. Below is that checklist, put together from the Connecticut Secretary of State and Department of Revenue's own guidance, so you know what you're actually on the hook for before you start filing.

Typical cost

$50–$1500

Timeline

7–60 days

Renewal

Annual (in most STR-regulated cities)

Who needs it

Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental hosts

Steps to get a short-term rental permit in Connecticut

Step 1: Confirm short-term rentals are legal in your zoning — many cities ban them in single-family residential zones outright
Step 2: Register with the city's STR licensing division (online portal in most cities that permit STRs)
Step 3: Prove primary residency if the city has an owner-occupied rule (Airbnb-only cities like Santa Monica, Boston)
Step 4: Install and post required safety equipment: smoke/CO detectors in every bedroom, fire extinguisher, evacuation map
Step 5: Register for the city's transient occupancy tax (TOT) or hotel tax
Step 6: List the permit number in every Airbnb/VRBO listing (many cities auto-scrape and cite hosts who don't)

Required documents

Proof of ownership or lease with landlord written consent
Proof of primary residency
Property tax bill
Safety equipment photos

Where to file in Connecticut

Business filings: https://business.ct.gov
Secretary of State: https://portal.ct.gov/sots
Tax authority: https://portal.ct.gov/drs
Labor/workforce: https://portal.ct.gov/dol

Heads up: Set a calendar reminder for renewal — annual (in most str-regulated cities). Connecticut, like most states, sends few reminders, and a lapsed short-term rental permit can shut a business down mid-operation while you scramble to restore good standing.

Related permits in Connecticut

Business License in Connecticut Sales Tax Registration in Connecticut

Frequently asked questions

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Connecticut?

Typical cost ranges from $50–$1500. The exact fee depends on your specific business type, city, and any expedited processing you choose.

How long does it take to get a short-term rental permit in Connecticut?

Most Connecticut applications complete in 7–60 days. Same-day or next-day processing is often available for an added fee at the state level.

Do I need a short-term rental permit if I'm just starting a home business in Connecticut?

In most cases, yes — even home-based businesses in Connecticut are subject to the same state filing rules. Local rules (city and county) may add a home occupation permit on top.

This page reflects general Connecticut filing rules as of 2026. Fees and processing times change; verify the current amounts with the linked state agency before filing.