Bridgeport Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Bridgeport, Connecticut?

Short-term rental regulations in Bridgeport can be found in the city's zoning code and ordinances. Bridgeport allows short-term rentals and defines them as renting out all or part of a residential property to overnight guests1.However, there are some specific regulations hosts need to follow. These include:

• Registration and zoning permit requirements: Hosts need to register with the city and obtain a zoning permit valid for 3 years. This likely requires submitting documents like proof of ownership, floor plans, certificate of occupancy, and contact details.
• Hotel tax: Bridgeport charges a 7% hotel tax on short-term rental properties that hosts must collect and remit.
• Strict enforcement: The city does appear to enforce regulations around zoning, permits, and taxes to some extent. Recently, Bridgeport's mayor was found violating rules by listing his property on Airbnb without proper registration4.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Bridgeport

Short-term rentals are permitted in Bridgeport, Connecticut and are categorized into two types: "Type A" rentals, which do not host onsite events, and "Type B" rentals, which may host events such as weddings and parties. Type B rentals require review and approval of a special permit. Additionally, no more than six adults and their dependent children are allowed to occupy rooms within a short-term rental, and these rentals are not permitted on lots occupied by an accessory apartment.

It is crucial to adhere to other binding contracts or rules, such as leases, condo boards, or HOA rules. Hosts should review their lease agreements and consult their landlords if applicable. For more information, individuals can visit the Bridgeport website or contact the Bridgeport Zoning Department. It is also advisable to comply with all city licensing requirements for short-term rentals1.For further details, individuals can refer to the Bridgeport City Code of Ordinances and the City of Bridgeport Zoning Code.

These documents provide comprehensive information on the regulations and requirements for short-term rentals in Bridgeport2.Despite the permissibility of short-term rentals, there have been instances, such as the case of Mayor Joe Ganim, where individuals have violated the municipal zoning code by listing their properties on platforms like Airbnb. However, upon being made aware of the violation, the mayor's office has taken steps to address the issue3.

In summary, individuals looking to engage in short-term rentals in Bridgeport should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations, seek the necessary approvals, and ensure compliance with all relevant legal and contractual obligations.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Bridgeport

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, short-term rentals are allowed, but hosts must adhere to specific regulations. There are two types of short-term rentals: Type A, which do not host onsite events, and Type B, which do host onsite events such as weddings, parties, or business seminars. Type B rentals require review and approval of a special permit in accordance with 11.501.

Additionally, no more than 6 adults and their dependent children may occupy rooms within a short-term rental, and short-term rentals are not permitted on lots occupied by an accessory apartment1. Hosts should also be aware of and comply with other contracts or rules that bind them, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. It is advisable to read the lease agreement and check with the landlord if applicable1.

Required Documents for Bridgeport Short Term Rentals

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, specific regulations govern short-term rentals, requiring hosts to register their property with the city and obtain a rental permit2. These regulations distinguish between two types of short-term rentals: Type A, which involves no onsite events, and Type B, which includes onsite events such as weddings, receptions, and parties1.

Additionally, hosts are advised to adhere to other binding contracts or rules, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. It is essential to review the lease agreement and consult with the landlord if applicable1.

For a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, individuals are encouraged to visit the Bridgeport website for more information1.The city's appeal as a tourist destination, with its affluent communities, upscale amenities, and outdoor activities, makes it an attractive location for short-term rentals, particularly during peak travel seasons from June to September. However, the winter months tend to experience lower demand due to the colder weather and potential closures of tourist attractions2.

While there are no specific documents mentioned, hosts should ensure compliance with the Zoning Code of the City of Bridgeport and any other relevant regulations. It is also advisable to stay informed about any changes in the local regulations to maintain a legally compliant short-term rental business3.

In summary, individuals looking to engage in short-term rentals in Bridgeport, Connecticut should familiarize themselves with the city's regulations, obtain the necessary permits, and ensure adherence to all applicable rules and contracts to operate their business legally and responsibly.

Bridgeport Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental taxes in Bridgeport, Connecticut are subject to the state's room occupancy tax laws2. Short-term rental facilitators are required to collect and remit room occupancy tax on Connecticut short-term rentals that they facilitate2. This requirement applies to the facilitation of all short-term rentals subject to the room occupancy tax, including short-term home rentals2. "Short-term rental" means the transfer for consideration of the occupancy in a furnished residence 30 days or less2.

A residence may include all or a portion of a home, apartment, condominium, or similar dwelling2.Hosts should comply with all obligations imposed by Connecticut room occupancy tax laws, as if the facilitator was the retailer of the short-term rentals, including timely filing all returns2. Hosts should also keep such records and information as may be required by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services2. Any facilitators who have entered into agreements with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services prior to October 1, 2019, to voluntarily collect and remit the tax must comply with any new requirements beginning October 1, 20192.

It is important to note that there are no specific short-term rental taxes in Bridgeport, Connecticut1. However, hosts should check with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for any applicable taxes2.

In addition to taxes, hosts should also abide by other contracts or rules that bind them, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations12. Hosts should read their lease agreement and check with their landlord if applicable2.

Connecticut wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Bridgeport, Connecticut, short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed and are defined as all or a portion of a home, apartment, condominium, or similar dwelling. There are two types of short-term rentals:

• Type A, in which no onsite events are held, and Type B, in which onsite events such as weddings, receptions, anniversaries, parties, banquets, etc. are held.
• Type B short-term rentals require review and approval of a special permit in accordance with 11.50.

Additionally, no more than 6 adults and their dependent children may occupy the rental. It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind the host, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Hosts are advised to read their lease agreement and check with their landlord if applicable1.

Connecticut has specific regulations regarding room occupancy tax on short-term rentals. Short-term rental facilitators are required to collect and remit room occupancy tax on Connecticut short-term rentals that they facilitate. This requirement applies to the facilitation of all short-term rentals subject to the room occupancy tax, including short-term home rentals. "Short-term rental" means the transfer for consideration of the occupancy in a furnished residence 30 days or less3.

While there are no statewide regulations for short-term rentals in Connecticut, some cities and towns, including Bridgeport, have their own regulations. For instance, in Bridgeport, no owner or other person shall rent to another, or permit the occupation by another, of any vacant dwelling unit unless it and the premises are clean, sanitary4.

Additionally, the property owner must host any short-term rentals operated on a lot with only a single-family home or in a single-family home district5.

Does Bridgeport strictly enforce STR rules?

Bridgeport, Connecticut has regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), but it is unclear how strictly they are enforced. The city allows two types of short-term rentals: Type A, which are those in which no onsite events are held, and Type B, which are those in which onsite events such as weddings, receptions, anniversaries, parties, banquets, etc. are held1. Type B short-term rentals require review and approval of a special permit in accordance with 11.501.

Mayor Joe Ganim has been offering up space in the single-family house he owns in the Black Rock neighborhood on Airbnb, which violates the municipal zoning code13. However, the mayor's office has stated that he will stop advertising it1. It is unclear if other hosts operate in Bridgeport despite the rules.In summary, Bridgeport has regulations for short-term rentals, but it is unclear how strictly they are enforced.

The city allows two types of short-term rentals, and Type B rentals require a special permit. Mayor Ganim has been offering a property on Airbnb, which violates the zoning code, but it is unclear if other hosts operate in Bridgeport despite the rules.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Bridgeport?

To start a short-term rental business in Bridgeport, Connecticut, several key steps need to be followed. Here's a comprehensive guide:

• Decide on the Type of Business: Determine the type of short-term rental you want to start, whether it's a Type A or Type B rental, as defined by the city's zoning code2.
• Create a Business Plan: Conduct market research to understand demand trends and create a complete budget plan for funding your business1.
• Legal Documentation and Process: Once you've decided on the type of business, ensure that you have the necessary legal documentation and processes in place. This may include obtaining any required licenses and permits1.
• Understand Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the local regulations for short-term rentals in Bridgeport. This includes understanding the specific requirements for Type B rentals, if applicable3.
• Insurance and Tax Obligations: After starting your business, it's important to secure the appropriate insurance, such as General Liability Insurance, Professional Liability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Additionally, ensure that you are compliant with all tax obligations1.
• Compliance with Other Rules: It's essential to understand and abide by any other contracts or rules that may bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Always review your lease agreement and consult with your landlord if applicable3.
• Seek Professional Assistance: Consider hiring a professional business service to ensure that all aspects of your short-term rental business are set up correctly and efficiently1.

For further information and guidance on starting a short-term rental business in Bridgeport, it's advisable to consult with local authorities and relevant professional services.By following these steps, you can establish a strong foundation for your short-term rental business in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Who to contact in Bridgeport about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions on zoning permits and regulations for short-term rentals in Bridgeport, contact:Bridgeport Zoning Enforcement
Phone: 203-576-7221
Email: zoningenforcement@bridgeportct.gov

What do Airbnb hosts in Bridgeport on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Bridgeport has regulations for short-term rentals, but it is unclear how strictly they are enforced. Mayor Joe Ganim has been offering up space in the single-family house he owns in the Black Rock neighborhood on Airbnb, which violates the municipal zoning code12. However, the mayor's office has stated that he will stop advertising it1. It is unclear if other hosts operate in Bridgeport despite the rules.To get a better understanding of how hosts in Bridgeport feel about local regulations, we can look at their opinions on Reddit and Bigger Pockets.

Unfortunately, there were no relevant results found for this question. However, it is possible that hosts in Bridgeport may have similar concerns to those in other cities, such as the hosts in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, who criticized a measure requiring them to pay a $200 annual fee, which they felt was one more in a series of expenditures and limitations that were eroding their profits2.

In conclusion, while there is no direct information available about the opinions of Airbnb hosts in Bridgeport on local regulations, it is likely that they may share some of the same concerns as hosts in other cities, such as the cost of compliance and the impact on their profits.