MOCJ Programs
Office of Special Enforcement
The Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) is an innovative, solutions-oriented task force that ensures NYC communities are safe from harmful illegal and unregulated industries. Our multi-agency enforcement team devises strategic solutions — ranging from public education to enforcement action — to complex problems.
Partner PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS
Focus Domains
Prevent Consumer Deception
Preserve Our Affordable Housing Stock
Promote Safe and Sanitary Building Conditions
Impact & Highlights
Who It’s For
- Current and prospective short-term rental hosts in NYC
- Tourists who are considering staying in a short-term rental in NYC
- Booking services operating short-term rentals in NYC
- NYC residents concerned about quality of life, livability, and other issues impacted by short-term rentals
Why?
As New York City struggles to address concerns around public safety, community, livability, and housing affordability, the City and New York State have established a wide array of laws and regulations to protect New Yorkers. The City continues to adapt and find new ways to address harmful, illegal, and unregulated industries that one agency and one set of enforcement tools alone can’t address amid shifting global economies and trends.
History
As New York City struggles to address concerns around public safety, community, livability, housing affordability, and other issues concerning those who live in or visit, the City and New York State have established a wide array of laws and regulations to protect New Yorkers. The City continues to adapt and find new ways to address harmful, illegal, and unregulated industries that one agency and one set of enforcement tools alone can’t address amid shifting global economies and trends.
OSE works to
- Prevent Consumer Deception – Illegal businesses target tourists and other consumers using tactics such as bait-and-switch or offering misleading information. OSE works to ensure that consumers booking short-term rentals receive goods and services without being misled.
- Preserve Our Affordable Housing Stock – OSE ensures owners, property managers, and tenants comply with City and State regulations designed to keep housing available and affordable for New Yorkers.
- Educate New Yorkers on Legal Short-Term Renting – Through community engagement and online resources, OSE provides information about how people can share their homes legally in a way that reflects New York values, ensuring fairness for residents, visitors, and workers.
- Promote Safe and Sanitary Building Conditions – Illegal short-term rentals and other illegal businesses are often not equipped to handle safety risks to guests who are unfamiliar with their surroundings and proper evacuation procedures. OSE takes action when buildings are overcrowded or don’t follow required safeguards such as building and fire codes.
- Preserve Our Homes and Communities – Our work helps maintain diverse and livable neighborhoods. We engage with communities to promptly and appropriately address their concerns, root out harmful illegal industries, and keep neighborhoods safe and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can learn about the short-term rental registration and verification process by visiting the NYC OSE website.
Yes. The short-term rental registration application fee is $45. For information and tips on hosting short-term rentals, including qualifications and required documents, visit NYC OSE’s tips webpage.
Building owners can opt to add their properties to the City’s “Prohibited Buildings List,” as the law requires OSE to deny registration requests for buildings on this list. Learn more and register for free on the NYC OSE’s dedicated webpage.