Comparent
AllowedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Boise, ID

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are units rented for 30 days or less. Owners must maintain quiet hours (10 p.m.–8 a.m.), provide safety equipment (fire extinguishers/detectors), display the license on-site, and designate a local representative living within 20 miles. Minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance is required unless provided by the booking platform.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the City Clerk licensing portal. 2) Provide owner info, property details, local representative contact (within 20 miles), and proof of $1M liability insurance. 3) Pay the $85 annual fee (plus $2 processing) and renew the license every year.

Regulatory Updates — Boise

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedAugust 2024

STR License Display Requirement Enforced

Boise conducted spot inspections of permitted STRs to verify that licenses are displayed on-site as required, issuing warnings to operators whose licenses were not visibly posted for guests.

PassedApril 2024

Local Contact Response Standard Clarified

Boise clarified that the local contact must be reachable and able to respond to the property within a reasonable time, specifying that out-of-state contacts who cannot physically respond do not satisfy the local contact requirement.

PassedNovember 2024

Annual Permit Renewal Fee Adjusted

Boise adjusted its annual STR permit renewal fees to reflect updated administrative costs, with a modest increase effective for 2025 renewals to fund enhanced compliance monitoring.

Official Resources

Official Boise STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Boise and other Idaho markets.

Idaho Association of RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring Boise STR regulations and advocating for reasonable permit standards for Idaho property owners.

Boise Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Local destination marketing organization tracking STR accommodation supply and its role in supporting Boise's growing business and outdoor recreation visitor market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Boise, ID?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Boise, ID, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. STRs are units rented for 30 days or less. Owners must maintain quiet hours (10 p.m.–8 a.m.), provide safety equipment (fire extinguishers/detectors), display the license on-site, and designate a local representative living within 20 miles. Minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance is required unless provided by the booking platform. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Boise, ID?
STRs are units rented for 30 days or less. Owners must maintain quiet hours (10 p.m.–8 a.m.), provide safety equipment (fire extinguishers/detectors), display the license on-site, and designate a local representative living within 20 miles. Minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance is required unless provided by the booking platform.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Boise?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Boise. 1) Apply online via the City Clerk licensing portal. 2) Provide owner info, property details, local representative contact (within 20 miles), and proof of $1M liability insurance. 3) Pay the $85 annual fee (plus $2 processing) and renew the license every year.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Boise?
1) Apply online via the City Clerk licensing portal. 2) Provide owner info, property details, local representative contact (within 20 miles), and proof of $1M liability insurance. 3) Pay the $85 annual fee (plus $2 processing) and renew the license every year.
Is Vrbo legal in Boise, ID?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Boise, ID, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Boise?
Short-term rental hosts in Boise are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Boise?
The most recent tracked change in Boise is "STR License Display Requirement Enforced" (2024-08-01, status: passed). Boise conducted spot inspections of permitted STRs to verify that licenses are displayed on-site as required, issuing warnings to operators whose licenses were not visibly posted for guests. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Are there any neighborhood restrictions on STRs in Boise?
No. Boise has no geographic restrictions, zone exclusions, or density caps on STRs. Any eligible dwelling that meets safety, quiet hours, and permit requirements can be licensed as an STR regardless of neighborhood.
What safety equipment is required in my Boise STR?
Boise requires fire extinguishers and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property. These must be maintained in working order at all times and are subject to spot inspections. Keep documentation of recent equipment checks.
What are the quiet hours for Boise STRs?
Quiet hours run from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. During these hours, outdoor noise must be kept at levels that do not disturb neighbors. Notify guests of quiet hours at check-in and include them in your house rules to reduce the risk of neighbor complaints.
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Boise, ID?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction