East Haven, Connecticut

Connecticut imposes a 15% state room occupancy tax on all short-term rentals of 30 days or less. Platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit this tax automatically for platform-booked stays; operators accepting direct bookings must register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services and remit independently. Regulation varies by municipality within this market. New Haven has no dedicated STR ordinance as of early 2025; the city’s Residential Rental Business License ($225 for the first two units, $60 per additional unit) applies to non-owner-occupied properties of two or more units, but single-family STRs are generally exempt. Stamford defines STRs as rentals of up to 21 cumulative days in any 6-month period (maximum 3 instances), prohibits them in RA-1, RA-2, and RA-3 residential zones unless the owner is present, and requires Rental Dwelling Registration, Certificate of Apartment Occupancy, and Certificate of Code Compliance with annual renewal. Bridgeport categorizes STRs as Type A (no events, 3-year zoning permit) or Type B (events such as weddings, requires special permit), limits occupancy to 6 adults, and prohibits STRs on lots with accessory apartments. Norwalk imposes no STR permit requirement on primary structures as of 2025, though ADUs must meet a 6-month minimum rental requirement. Connecticut enacted a law effective October 1, 2024 explicitly granting municipalities authority to license and regulate STRs; as of early 2025, New Haven and Norwalk had not adopted new ordinances under this authority. Enforcement is classified as moderate. Investors must verify the specific rules for the municipality in which their property sits.