When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your region or city. As a platform and online marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide resources that may help you better understand applicable laws and regulations. This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, visit the short-term rental homepage or other government agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.
Actions a Host needs to take to register their short-term rental
- Step 1 - Acquire a short term rental permit by registering with the city for a Type A, Type B, or Commercial Use permit.
- Type A permit information can be found here.
- Type B permit information can be found here.
- Commercial Use permit information can be found here.
- When you determine what kind of permit is appropriate, a permit application can be submitted here.
- Step 2 - Obtain a business license.
- You can learn about and apply for a business license here.
- Step 3 - Add your short term rental or commercial permit information to your listing
- The law requires that all hosts display their permit number on their listing. To add this number to your listing, go to Listings, select the listing you want, and add the number in the field under Regulations.
Accessory Short-Term Rental Permit Requirements
All short-term rental properties in Portland must be properly permitted and included on the City's Short Term Rental Registry.
- There are three types of permits in the registry: Type A ASTR permits, Type B ASTR conditional uses, and Commercial short-term rentals.
- To list a property on home-sharing sites like Airbnb, hosts must obtain an accessory rental short-term permit (ASTR) for residential properties.
- Type A Permit: Eligible for hosts renting two or fewer bedrooms to no more than 5 guests. Requires notification to neighbors, submission of Oregon ID, and a permit fee.
- Type B Conditional Use: Eligible for hosts renting three to five rooms, subject to a conditional use land review process and a permit fee.
- Commercial Short-Term Rental: Applies when zoning and building use allow for commercial transient lodging, not subject to Type A or Type B requirements.
- Permit fees and additional information can be found on the City's website.
Transient Lodging Tax Program
- The City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the State of Oregon impose transient lodging taxes on hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for stays less than a month. Airbnb collects and remits taxes to the City of Portland on behalf of its users.
- More information about the transient lodging tax can be found on the City's FAQ page and the State's FAQ page.
Other licensing requirements
- Hosting a short-term rental property in Portland requires a business license.
- No payment is due with the registration form.
- Hosts grossing less than $50,000 per year before expenses are exempt from paying the City of Portland Business License Tax.
- If exempt, hosts need to make an annual filing to support the exemption request.
- More information about the business license tax and exemptions can be found on the City's website.
Other rules
It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.
Other resources to help you Host