Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Portsmouth, NH

Airbnb listings are allowed in Portsmouth, NH, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as entire-dwelling rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and capped at 120 total days per year. Requirements include a Zoning Board of Adjustment special exception, occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom, one additional off-street parking space, specific insurance, and registration for State rooms and meals tax. 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 defined as entire-dwelling rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and capped at 120 total days per year. Requirements include a Zoning Board of Adjustment special exception, occupancy limits of two persons per bedroom, one additional off-street parking space, specific insurance, and registration for State rooms and meals tax.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Portsmouth. 1) Apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a special exception if required by the property's zone. 2) Apply for a Certificate of Use through the Planning Department via the ViewPoint online portal. 3) Register for State rooms and meals tax and provide proof of insurance and owner-occupancy. Certificates must be renewed annually.

1) Apply to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a special exception if required by the property's zone. 2) Apply for a Certificate of Use through the Planning Department via the ViewPoint online portal. 3) Register for State rooms and meals tax and provide proof of insurance and owner-occupancy. Certificates must be renewed annually.

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