The 30-Day Line
In New York, a rental of fewer than 30 consecutive days is generally treated as a short-term rental. Short-term rentals are tightly restricted in New York City. As one summary of the rules puts it, a host generally cannot rent out an entire apartment for a short stay, only a limited number of guests may stay, the host must be present, and hosts must register with the city. The rules change, so check the city’s current guidance.
A 30+ Day Sublet Is a Different Thing
A sublet of 30 days or longer is not a short-term rental. It is a longer arrangement where someone takes over your home for a period, such as a semester or a summer. That is why Sublet Buddy only lists stays of 30 days or more.
It Still Needs Your Landlord’s Approval
Being over 30 days does not mean you can skip permission. You still need to check your lease and get your landlord’s written approval. Read our step-by-step sublet guide for how that works.
Quick Comparison
- Under 30 days: short-term rental. Heavily restricted in NYC.
- 30 days or more: a sublet. Governed by your lease, your landlord’s approval, and a written sublease.
Who This Fits
A 30+ day sublet works well for students going abroad, interns, and young professionals between leases, on both sides: the person leaving avoids paying for an empty apartment, and the person arriving gets a place without a 12-month lease.