Policies & Legal

What are Portland Short-Term Rental Regulations?

Updated 2026-05-28

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.

Join the Lodgify newsletter

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more.

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?+
Portland has two permit categories: Type A for renting 1-2 bedrooms inside your primary residence while you are present, and Type B for renting your entire primary residence for up to 90 nights per year while you are away.
Do I need to be a resident to run an Airbnb in Portland?+
Yes, a fundamental requirement of Portland's regulations is that the short-term rental property must be the operator's primary residence. Non-resident and investment-owned STRs are generally not permitted in residential zones.
Are property inspections required for Portland short-term rentals?+
Yes, all properties must pass an initial and subsequent renewal safety inspections. These inspections verify the presence and functionality of required safety equipment, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers.
Who is responsible for collecting transient lodging taxes in Portland?+
Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting the applicable City of Portland and Multnomah County Transient Lodging Taxes. However, some booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo may automatically collect and remit these taxes on the host's behalf.
Keep reading

Related terms

Stay in the loop

Join the Lodgify newsletter.

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more — straight to your inbox.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.