Can you do rental arbitrage in Philadelphia?
Only where the zoning allows it. We have 5 Philadelphia homes where the landlord already said yes to Airbnb. The city is the hard part: our guide rates Philadelphia a red light, because only a primary resident can get the Limited Lodging license, so a rental you don't live in needs Visitor Accommodations, a commercial zoning use that isn't permitted in lower density residential neighborhoods.
From our Philadelphia guide, where every rule links to its source.
Philadelphia homes you're allowed to Airbnb
5 homes where the landlord already said yes. Members see the address, real photos and rent.
IllustrationPhiladelphia, PA
Est. $3,000/mo profitEst. $6,000 to $7,000/mo on Airbnb
IllustrationPhiladelphia, PA
Est. $3,000/mo profitEst. $6,000 to $7,000/mo on Airbnb
IllustrationPhiladelphia, PA
Est. $2,500/mo profitEst. $4,000 to $5,000/mo on Airbnb
IllustrationPhiladelphia, PA
Est. $1,750/mo profitEst. $3,000 to $4,000/mo on AirbnbPictures are illustrations, not the real homes. Profit and revenue are estimates from BNBCalc and AirDNA data.
Philadelphia's rules for rental arbitrage
Skip Philadelphia for rental arbitrage unless the unit sits where Visitor Accommodations is allowed by right. Check the address before you pay anyone anything.
- Visitor Accommodations is allowed by right in some districts that allow commercial or industrial uses
- The code sections we read set no cap on how many licenses you can hold
- No Visitor Accommodations in lower density residential neighborhoods, and a denial needs a Zoning Board variance or special exception
- 15.5% in hotel taxes, on top of income and business taxes
- 1Check the address in the city's Zoning Summary Generator and look for Visitor Accommodations under uses permitted by right.
- 2Check your lease and any HOA rules, because an L&I permit doesn't override them.
Read the full Philadelphia guide, with a source for every rule →
How it works with STR Exchange
- 1Pick an approved home. Every home on our list has the landlord's OK to Airbnb. We find them by calling landlords every day.
- 2Sign the lease. Usually through your LLC. We help with the tour, the application and the deal.
- 3List it on Airbnb. Guests cover the rent and bills.
Questions
Do I need a license in Philadelphia?
Yes. A rental you don't live in needs a Rental License at $69 per unit a year, and the zoning has to allow Visitor Accommodations. Owners and their agents apply.
What taxes do guests pay in Philadelphia?
15.5% in hotel taxes.
Whose name goes on the lease?
Usually your LLC. We recommend it for your protection. If a landlord will only sign a personal lease, it's your call.
What does STR Exchange cost?
Free to create an account. Membership is $149 a month after you're approved. The acquisition fee, our finder's fee, is $2,500 unfurnished or $3,500 furnished per home, due the day you sign the lease. Never before.
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Rules tell you where. We find the landlord who says yes.
STR Exchange members get landlord-approved rentals, new deals every week and a team that searches their market.
- Landlord-approved listings
- New deals weekly
- Many markets