Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hallowell, ME

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hallowell, ME, but with restrictions. Hallowell’s Revised Code (Chapter 9) defines two categories: Private Home Short Term Rental Facility (owner resides full time; 1–2 sleeping accommodations rented for ≤30 days) and Commercial Short Term Rental Facility (3+ sleeping accommodations or units rented for ≤30 days). Commercial STRs must provide at least one 9'×18' off-street parking space per rental unit (with downtown exception proposed), at least one full bathroom per rental unit, minimum unit floor area (120 sq ft), emergency contact info in units, and must comply with State Fire Marshal life-safety codes and NFPA 101. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Hallowell’s Revised Code (Chapter 9) defines two categories: Private Home Short Term Rental Facility (owner resides full time; 1–2 sleeping accommodations rented for ≤30 days) and Commercial Short Term Rental Facility (3+ sleeping accommodations or units rented for ≤30 days). Commercial STRs must provide at least one 9'×18' off-street parking space per rental unit (with downtown exception proposed), at least one full bathroom per rental unit, minimum unit floor area (120 sq ft), emergency contact info in units, and must comply with State Fire Marshal life-safety codes and NFPA 101.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hallowell. 1) Submit required license/permit application to the City (Hallowell’s online application service or printed paper forms filed with the City/Code Enforcement); 2) Comply with the licensing requirements referenced in Chapter 9 (Commercial Short Term Rental Facility operators “shall be subject to the licensing requirements of Section 7-324”), provide required unit information including emergency contact details, and meet the code’s physical/unit standards and life-safety code requirements; 3) Follow any additional licensing steps/inspections specified in Section 7-324 (see official code for exact license application items).

1) Submit required license/permit application to the City (Hallowell’s online application service or printed paper forms filed with the City/Code Enforcement); 2) Comply with the licensing requirements referenced in Chapter 9 (Commercial Short Term Rental Facility operators “shall be subject to the licensing requirements of Section 7-324”), provide required unit information including emergency contact details, and meet the code’s physical/unit standards and life-safety code requirements; 3) Follow any additional licensing steps/inspections specified in Section 7-324 (see official code for exact license application items).

Vrbo is permitted in Hallowell, ME under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Hallowell 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Hallowell. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.