Tulsa Short-Term Rental Regulations

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental License

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Apply through the City of Tulsa Finance Department on the required form; license expires June 30 each year (fees pro-rated for first-time applicants after July 2)

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13.517% of gross rental income.

Collection: Operator/hotel collects lodging tax from the occupant and remits to the City; Oklahoma Tax Commission collects state/county/city sales tax on the transaction

Filing: monthly

Rental Limits

Tulsa does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Individual-stay rule: Under 30 consecutive days (stays of 30+ days are not classified as short-term rentals).

Occupancy & Density Limits

8 persons at any one time

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Tulsa does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Operating without a license: fine up to $250 (first offense), or up to $500 plus up to 90 days in City jail (second and subsequent offenses); each day of violation is a separate offense
• The City Attorney may seek a court order restraining operation until a valid license is obtained

Platform Requirements

Operator must disclose to the City the website address for every platform/advertisement on which the property is offered for rent, and keep this updated

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Tulsa:

1. Apply for Short-Term Rental License. Submit application + $375 fee.
2. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Oklahoma Tax Commission (sales tax); City of Tulsa Finance Department, administered by HdL Companies (lodging tax).
3. Collect and remit taxes. 13.517% on all bookings.
4. Renew annually. $375 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Tulsa?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Tulsa requires a Short-Term Rental License.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Tulsa?

A Short-Term Rental License in Tulsa costs $375 per year.

Does Tulsa require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Tulsa allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Tulsa?

Tulsa does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Tulsa?

Short-term rental stays in Tulsa are subject to a combined 13.517% in lodging taxes. This combines 4.5% Oklahoma State Sales Tax + 0.367% Tulsa County Sales Tax + 3.65% City of Tulsa Sales Tax + 5% City of Tulsa Lodging Tax (applies to hotels/STRs with 5+ rooms). The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Tulsa?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $500.