What is a short-term rental?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are dwelling units which are rented or offered for rent for less than 30 days, typically advertised as rentals. 

What is a dwelling unit?
A dwelling unit is defined as a room or group of rooms arranged, intended, or designed as a habitable unit, containing kitchen, bath and sleeping facilities, for not more than one household living independently of any other household. 

What is the difference between a Principal Use Short-Term Rental and an Accessory Use Short-Term Rental?
A principal use short-term rental refers to a dwelling which is used exclusively for short-term rental purposes. In contrast, an accessory use short-term rental refers to a dwelling in which the owner or a long-term tenant occupies the dwelling part of the time but also sometimes rents the dwelling for less than 30 days. Accessory use short-term rentals also include rentals where the owner occupies the dwelling and rents a portion of the dwelling for periods of less than 30 days.

What are some of the requirements of the short-term rental ordinance?
The ordinance requires STR operators to obtain a short-term rental license before advertising or offering the property for rent. Each short-term rental is required to always have a local contact available to respond to the property when contacted by the City.

What are my responsibilities as a short-term rental operator?
Property owners and operators are responsible for reviewing the entire short-term rental zoning and licensing ordinances Ordinance 24323 and Ordinance 24328. The following standards provide an abbreviated version:

• It is the responsibility of the operator to prevent nuisance behavior and maintain neighborhood peace and quiet.
• A local contact person must be personally available at all times and must respond within one hour of being contacted by the City.
• The operator is responsible to update information in the City’s license records throughout the year regarding the (1) websites on which the STR is offered for rent and (2) the name, address, phone number and email address of the local contact person.
• The STR license shall be posted within the interior of the rental in a noticeable location near the main entry.
• The City-issued short-term rental license number shall be included in a visible location on all materials (including but not limited to print, digital, electronic) advertising a short-term rental or offering it for rent.

How much does it cost to obtain a short-term rental license?
The STR license can be obtained for a license fee of $75 and an implementation and compliance fee of $300, for a total of $375.

How long is the license valid?
A short-term rental license expires on June 30 of each year and must be renewed annually to remain in compliance.

Does the license renew automatically each year?
No, the license renewal must be initiated by the license holder prior to the license expiring on June 30^th of each year.

How do I apply for a short-term rental license?
You may register for your license online. 

Are there any other requirements to operate a Short-Term Rental?
Yes, operators who offer properties for rent with five (5) or more total rooms (including bedrooms, bathrooms, dining room, kitchen, etc.) are required to collect a lodging tax of 5 percent from guests and remit those taxes monthly to the City of Tulsa.

When do I report and remit lodging taxes?
The tax is due the last calendar day of the month following the date of collection.  However, filers can claim a 3 percent discount if the return and payment is delivered to the City by the 15th of each month.

How often do I file a tax return?
Lodging tax reports and taxes are due monthly.

Is the lodging tax different from sales tax?
Yes. Lodging taxes are remitted to the City of Tulsa. They are administered by the City of Tulsa. Sales taxes are remitted to the Oklahoma Tax Commission based on State statutes.

How do I file and pay my lodging taxes?
You can file and pay your lodging taxes online. 

Who do I contact with questions?
You may email [email protected] or call the STR Hotline at (918) 248-9148.

What is the purpose of this ordinance?

• Officially recognize that short-term rentals are an important part of tourism and economic development.
• Ensure a proper way to regulate these establishments including a system for handling any and all comments that may be received toward or by one of these establishments.
• Establish an effective way to ensure that neighborhoods are protected from potential negative impacts such as party houses, noise concerns and parking.
• Provide an established way to help bring visitors to the area.
• Licensing requirements help ensure a level of consistency within the City’s hospitality industry. It ensures a level playing field with hotels that have already invested in our City.

What does the license fee pay for?
License fee revenue is used for the administration and enforcement of the STR ordinance. To ensure compliance with the licensing and tax remittance requirements of the STR ordinance, the City has partnered with a compliance monitoring company that provides the following services:

1.  Identification of short-term rentals in operation within the City of Tulsa.
2. Monitoring and tracking rental activities on an ongoing basis.
3. Contacting property owners who are out of compliance with City ordinances and regulations.
4. Providing short-term rental property owners a positive customer experience with registrations, tax reporting and remittance, and the reporting of any issues experienced.
5. Providing a dedicated 24/7 hotline for neighbors to report noise, parking, and other complaints.

What is the penalty for non-compliance with this ordinance?
Violations of the ordinances constitute a criminal misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to $1,200.00 per violation. In addition, the property owner may be subject to civil remedial penalties of up to $1,000.00 per day, withholding or revoking permits, and all other remedies allowed under the law.

What zoning districts allow short-term rentals?
Short-term rentals are allowed in all zoning districts but must be issued a STR License by the City of Tulsa before advertising or renting the unit for less than 30-day period(s)

How can I find the parcel number for my property?
The property’s parcel number can be found on the corresponding County Assessor’s website, links below:

            Tulsa County Assessor (14-digit)

            Osage County Assessor (11-digit)

            Wagoner County Assessor (9-digit)

What is the difference between a short-term rental use and a bed & breakfast use?
Bed & Breakfast Uses are not required to obtain a Short-Term Rental License but must instead be approved through the Zoning Clearance Permit process. Bed & breakfast uses are not bound by the occupancy limitations imposed on short-term rental units. Similarly, a bed & breakfast may host events and gatherings as a part of the use, while such gatherings are expressly prohibited at a short-term rental. In residential and office zoning districts, bed & breakfast uses require a Special Exception from the City of Tulsa Board of Adjustment. For more information, contact the Tulsa Planning Office.   

What if my neighborhood covenants prohibit short-term rentals?
City of Tulsa Code Officers are unable to enforce neighborhood covenants. Any applicable neighborhood restrictive covenants must be enforced by the applicable neighborhood association.

What information do I need to register for a short-term rental license?
To register for a short-term rental license, the following information is required:

• Property owner’s name and contact details
• STR operator’s name and contact details (if different)
• Emergency contact person’s name and contact details
• Address and parcel number of the short-term rental unit
• Number of bedrooms to be offered
• Number and types of all rooms within the dwelling unit
• Number of on-site parking spaces
• Maximum occupancy of the property
• Use classification of the property (Principal Use or Accessory Use)
• All websites where the unit is to be advertised

How many guests are allowed at a short-term rental?
No more than 8 occupants are allowed at any short-term rental unit, regardless of the size of the unit. Short-term rental units are also bound by the square footage-based occupancy limitations of Title 55, Section 404, which may result in a lower maximum.

Are events allowed at short-term rental units?
All parties, meetings, receptions, or events of any kind are expressly prohibited at short-term rental units.

Can I get a refund if I decide to stop renting my property as a short-term rental?
License fees are non-refundable pursuant to Title 21, Section 107.

What should I do if my property is being used as a short-term rental without my permission?
Property owners can submit a form through the listing website to have the unauthorized advertisement removed. Often, a link to ‘report this listing’ will be found near the booking calendar on the listing. If you need help determining the site(s) where the unauthorized listings are posted, please leave a message for Code Enforcement at 918-596-7944.

Do I need a short-term rental license if I only plan to rent my property one week out of the year?
Yes. A short-term rental license is required before advertising the property as a short-term rental and the license number must be posted on all advertisements. No grace periods are given. Advertising the unit as a short-term rental without the required license constitutes a violation of the ordinance, regardless of whether or not the unit was actually rented or occupied.

How can I prevent ordinance violations at a short-term rental that I operate?

• Consider prohibiting same-day bookings and/or requiring 2+ nights minimum stay.
• Add exterior cameras to proactively monitor for excessive occupancy and deter unwanted guest behavior.
• Consider installing a non-invasive sound monitoring system and/or occupancy sensor.
• Be cautious about renting to a guest with a local address. They may be coming to do something at your STR that they wouldn’t do at their own home.
• Set clear rules in all advertising and implement a ‘zero tolerance’ policy.
• Clearly communicate to guests that parties and events are prohibited, only lodging is allowed.
• Get to know the neighbors near your STR unit and consider providing them with contact information for someone they can call if they have concerns.

Are neighbors notified that a short-term rental exists in their neighborhood?
Neighbors are not given notice about the existence of a STR in their neighborhood. To see which properties have been issued a STR License, please see the STR Map

Can I operate two (or more) separate STRs on the same lot under the same STR license?
No. Each short-term rental dwelling unit must be licensed individually.

Are recreational vehicles allowed at short-term rental units?
Recreational vehicles may only be stored at a short-term rental unit if the vehicle is not visible from the street. Occupying a recreational vehicle is expressly prohibited, except at RV parks and campgrounds. 

Can a recreational vehicle be offered as a short-term rental in Tulsa?
STR lodging in a recreational vehicle may only be offered at a lawfully established RV park or campground and after the required STR License has been issued.

Can City of Tulsa staff resolve disputes between STR guests and the operator?
City officials can only enforce the applicable regulations and are unable to assist with disputes that may arise between the STR guest and operator. 

Can I stay in my RV on the property while my home is occupied by a short-term rental guest?
Occupying a recreational vehicle is expressly prohibited, except at RV parks and campgrounds.

How do I report a violation at a Short-Term Rental?
Routine Short-Term Rental complaints can be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to the City of Tulsa Short-Term Rental Hotline at (918) 248-9148 or on the online. Routine complaints are typically addressed by City Staff within 24 business hours.

Urgent or after-hours complaints needing an immediate response can be reported by calling non-emergency police at (918) 596-9222.

What is the penalty for non-compliance with this ordinance?
Violations of the ordinances constitute a criminal misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to $1,200.00 per violation. In addition, the property owner may be subject to civil remedial penalties of up to $1,000.00 per day, withholding or revoking permits, and all other remedies allowed under the law.

What zoning districts allow short-term rentals?

Short-term rentals are allowed in all zoning districts but must be issued a STR License by the City of Tulsa before advertising or renting the unit for less than 30-day period(s)

What is the difference between a short-term rental use and a bed & breakfast use?
Bed & Breakfast Uses are not required to obtain a Short-Term Rental License but must instead be approved through the Zoning Clearance Permit process. Bed & breakfast uses are not bound by the occupancy limitations imposed on short-term rental units. Similarly, a bed & breakfast may host events and gatherings as a part of the use, while such gatherings are expressly prohibited at a short-term rental. In residential and office zoning districts, bed & breakfast uses require a Special Exception from the City of Tulsa Board of Adjustment. For more information, contact the Tulsa Planning Office.    

What if my neighborhood covenants prohibit short-term rentals?
City of Tulsa Code Officers are unable to enforce neighborhood covenants. Any applicable neighborhood restrictive covenants must be enforced by the applicable neighborhood association.

How many guests are allowed at a short-term rental?
No more than 8 occupants are allowed at any short-term rental unit, regardless of the size of the unit. Short-term rental units are also bound by the square footage-based occupancy limitations of Title 55, Section 404, which may result in a lower maximum.

Are events allowed at short-term rental units?
All parties, meetings, receptions, or events of any kind are expressly prohibited at short-term rental units.

Can I remain anonymous if I make a complaint to the 24/7 STR Hotline?
Yes. Complainant information is kept confidential except and unless the complainant agrees in advance to provide testimony in court.

How do I know if there are short-term rentals in my neighborhood?
All licensed short-term rental units can be found on the STR Registration Map.

Are neighbors notified that a short-term rental exists in their neighborhood?
Neighbors are not given notice about the existence of a STR in their neighborhood. To see which properties have been issued a STR License, please see the STR Map.

Are recreational vehicles allowed at short-term rental units?
Recreational vehicles may only be stored at a short-term rental unit if the vehicle is not visible from the street. Occupying a recreational vehicle is expressly prohibited, except at RV parks and campgrounds.  

Can a recreational vehicle be offered as a short-term rental in Tulsa?
STR lodging in a recreational vehicle may only be offered at a lawfully-established RV park or campground and after the required STR License has been issued.

Are recreational vehicles allowed at short-term rental units?
Recreational vehicles may only be stored at a short-term rental unit if the vehicle is not visible from the street. Occupying a recreational vehicle is expressly prohibited, except at RV parks and campgrounds. 

How do I know the STR I booked is properly licensed?
The rental unit’s license number should be posted on the online listing and the license displayed near the main entry of the unit. A map of registered rental units is also available online.

Can a recreational vehicle be offered as a short-term rental in Tulsa?
STR lodging in a recreational vehicle may only be offered at a lawfully-established RV park or campground and after the required STR License has been issued.

How can I report a hazardous condition or life-safety concern at a short-term rental where I’m staying?
For emergencies, call 9-1-1. Routine issues can be reported to City of Tulsa Code Enforcement staff by calling the STR Hotline at 918-248-9148. 

Can City of Tulsa staff resolve disputes between STR guests and the operator?
City officials can only enforce the applicable regulations and are unable to assist with disputes that may arise between the STR guest and operator. 

How many guests are allowed at a short-term rental?
No more than 8 occupants are allowed at any short-term rental unit, regardless of the size of the unit. Short-term rental units are also bound by the square footage-based occupancy limitations of Title 55, Section 404, which may result in a lower maximum.

Are events allowed at short-term rental units?
All parties, meetings, receptions, or events of any kind are expressly prohibited at short-term rental units.