What are Portland Short-Term Rental Regulations?
Portland Short-Term Rental Regulations refer to the legal framework enforced by the City of Portland's Bureau of Development Services (BDS) for properties rented to transient guests for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The regulations establish two primary permit types, known as Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) permits, which are tied to the host's primary residence.
These rules are designed to manage the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability, neighborhood character, and guest safety. Compliance requires obtaining the correct permit, passing safety inspections, and adhering to operational limits.
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How it works
Hosts must apply for one of two permit types based on how they intend to rent their property. A Type A permit allows a resident to rent up to two bedrooms within their home while they are also present.
A Type B permit allows a resident to rent their entire primary residence for a maximum of 90 nights per calendar year when they are not present. The application process involves submitting forms to the BDS, notifying neighbors, and passing a basic life safety inspection.
Upon approval, the city issues a permit number that must be included in all online advertisements and listings for the rental.
Why it matters
Adhering to Portland's short-term rental regulations is essential for hosts to operate legally and avoid significant penalties, including fines and the revocation of their permit. These rules aim to strike a balance between allowing homeowners to benefit from tourism and protecting the city's long-term housing supply and neighborhood livability.
For guests, the regulations provide an assurance of safety, as all permitted properties must meet basic safety standards, including functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Examples
- A homeowner in the Alberta Arts District wants to rent out her spare bedroom on Airbnb throughout the year while she lives in the house. She must apply for and maintain a Type A ASTR permit.
- A family living in Southeast Portland plans a three-month sabbatical and wants to rent their entire house to cover their mortgage. They can obtain a Type B ASTR permit but are limited to renting their home for a total of 90 days during the calendar year.
- An investor purchases a property in the Pearl District with the sole intention of using it as a full-time, non-resident vacation rental. This is prohibited under Portland's ASTR regulations, which require the rental to be the operator's primary residence.
- Before renewing their annual ASTR permit, a host schedules an inspection with the city to confirm their smoke detectors are hardwired or have 10-year batteries and that a fire extinguisher is available, as required by the city's safety checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two types of short-term rental permits in Portland, Oregon?+
Do I need to be a resident to run an Airbnb in Portland?+
Are property inspections required for Portland short-term rentals?+
Who is responsible for collecting transient lodging taxes in Portland?+
Related terms
Business License
A business license for a vacation rental is an official permit issued by a government authority, granting the holder the legal right to operate a short-term…
HOA Rules
HOA rules are the regulations established by a Homeowners Association (HOA) that govern properties within a specific residential community or building. For…
Occupancy Tax
Occupancy tax is a tax levied on the rental of short-term accommodations, which hosts are legally required to collect from guests and remit to local or state…
STR Permit
An STR permit is an official license issued by a local government authority that legally allows a property to be operated as a short-term rental.
