Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Rochester, MN

Airbnb listings are allowed in Rochester, MN, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are regulated: owner-occupied STRs may register (single-family owner-occupied limited to 1 STR unit); non-owner-occupied STRs require a short-term rental certificate and an inspection. Unit caps vary by building type (single-family 1, duplex 2, triplex 2, four-plex 2, multifamily limits and up to 25% of units; reclassification/change-of-use required if more than stated or >25% of units), rentals limited to stays under 30 days, and lodging licenses via Olmsted County are required when structures meet State lodging definitions (e.g., 5+ beds). 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.

Short-term rentals are regulated: owner-occupied STRs may register (single-family owner-occupied limited to 1 STR unit); non-owner-occupied STRs require a short-term rental certificate and an inspection. Unit caps vary by building type (single-family 1, duplex 2, triplex 2, four-plex 2, multifamily limits and up to 25% of units; reclassification/change-of-use required if more than stated or >25% of units), rentals limited to stays under 30 days, and lodging licenses via Olmsted County are required when structures meet State lodging definitions (e.g., 5+ beds).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Rochester. 1) Submit the City's Rental Property/Short-Term Rental application via the City online form (Rental Property Application portal) and comply with section 7-9 application requirements; 2) Owner-occupied properties register (registration certificate); non-owner-occupied properties must obtain a short-term rental certificate and pass the required rental/property inspection per chapter 7-9; 3) If requesting more units than allowed or converting >25% of units, apply for change of occupancy/reclassification through Community Development and pay applicable processing fees; obtain Olmsted County lodging license when required.

1) Submit the City's Rental Property/Short-Term Rental application via the City online form (Rental Property Application portal) and comply with section 7-9 application requirements; 2) Owner-occupied properties register (registration certificate); non-owner-occupied properties must obtain a short-term rental certificate and pass the required rental/property inspection per chapter 7-9; 3) If requesting more units than allowed or converting >25% of units, apply for change of occupancy/reclassification through Community Development and pay applicable processing fees; obtain Olmsted County lodging license when required.

Vrbo is permitted in Rochester, MN 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 Rochester 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 Rochester. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.