Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ravalli County, MT

Airbnb listings are allowed in Ravalli County, MT, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals must comply with State of Montana building codes and undergo routine water testing for nitrates (every 3 years) and coliform bacteria (twice a year). Establishments are subject to tiered licensing fees based on the number of rooms ($40 for 1-10 rooms) and must pass a final health inspection before opening. 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 must comply with State of Montana building codes and undergo routine water testing for nitrates (every 3 years) and coliform bacteria (twice a year). Establishments are subject to tiered licensing fees based on the number of rooms ($40 for 1-10 rooms) and must pass a final health inspection before opening.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ravalli County. 1) Submit a completed plan review application and $100 fee to Ravalli County Environmental Health (RCEH). 2) Complete required building, mechanical, and electrical inspections with city or state inspectors. 3) Pass a final pre-opening health inspection by RCEH and pay the tiered license fee to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

1) Submit a completed plan review application and $100 fee to Ravalli County Environmental Health (RCEH). 2) Complete required building, mechanical, and electrical inspections with city or state inspectors. 3) Pass a final pre-opening health inspection by RCEH and pay the tiered license fee to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

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