Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Great Falls, MT

Airbnbs are effectively legal in Great Falls, MT because there are no specific short-term rental regulations on the books. No official local STR-specific ordinance was found; however, all operators must obtain a city business license and pass a fire safety inspection. At the state level, STRs are classified as 'tourist homes' and are subject to an 8% lodging facility sales and use tax and public accommodation health standards. Operators should still verify HOA rules, state-level requirements, and any tax-collection obligations. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

No official local STR-specific ordinance was found; however, all operators must obtain a city business license and pass a fire safety inspection. At the state level, STRs are classified as 'tourist homes' and are subject to an 8% lodging facility sales and use tax and public accommodation health standards.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Great Falls. 1. Apply for a City of Great Falls Business License through the Fire Department and pay the fee based on square footage. 2. Schedule and pass a life-safety inspection conducted by the Fire Department. 3. Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for the 8% Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax and obtain a Public Accommodation license from DPHHS.

1. Apply for a City of Great Falls Business License through the Fire Department and pay the fee based on square footage. 2. Schedule and pass a life-safety inspection conducted by the Fire Department. 3. Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for the 8% Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax and obtain a Public Accommodation license from DPHHS.

Vrbo is effectively legal in Great Falls, MT for the same reason Airbnb is: there are no short-term-rental-specific regulations on the books. Operators should still check HOA, state, and tax obligations before listing. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Great Falls 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 Great Falls. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.