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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Portland, OR

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Accessory Short-Term Rentals (ASTRs) are allowed only where the dwelling is primarily long-term occupied; the resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days (approx. 9 months) per year. Type A permits (1–2 bedrooms) allow up to 5 guests, while Type B (3–5 bedrooms) require conditional use review. Multi-dwelling limits apply (one unit or 25% of units per structure), and hosts must comply with safety codes, smoke/CO alarm requirements, and transient lodging tax collection.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the City’s Civic Portal and register your business with the City; include the resident’s ID and a copy of the neighborhood notice sent to surrounding neighbors. 2) Pay the non-refundable fee and submit documentation; Type A applicants self-certify safety compliance. 3) Permits are valid for two years; 10% of Type A applications are randomly selected for on-site inspection prior to issuance.

Regulatory Updates — Portland

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2022

Type B 270-Night Cap — Enhanced Enforcement

Portland's Bureau of Development Services began proactively enforcing the Type B STR permit's 270-night annual cap in 2022 through data-sharing agreements with Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms. Operators found to be exceeding the cap face permit suspension and must refund the applicable lodging taxes. The enforcement expansion followed reports that many Type B operators were regularly exceeding the cap with minimal risk of detection.

Official source
ProposedFebruary 2025

Proposed Extension of Primary-Residency Requirement

Portland City Council members have proposed extending the primary-residency requirement (currently applicable to Type B unhosted permits) to all STR permit types, including Type A hosted permits. Under the proposal, any host renting even a private room must be the primary resident of the dwelling. The proposal has not yet advanced to a floor vote.

PassedSeptember 2023

Platform Data-Sharing Agreement — Expanded Scope

Portland expanded its data-sharing agreement with major STR platforms in 2023 to include all booking platforms operating in the Portland metro area. The city now receives monthly data submissions covering booking dates, durations, and permit numbers, enabling systematic detection of violations.

Official Resources

Official Portland STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Portland Home Sharing CoalitionLocal

Local organization representing Portland STR permit holders, particularly Type A and Type B operators navigating the city's permit system and monitoring proposed regulatory changes.

Oregon Rental Housing AssociationStatewide

Statewide landlord and rental housing association with Portland members tracking STR regulatory developments and advocating for property owner rights.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association tracking Portland STR regulations and Oregon state legislative activity on STR preemption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Portland, OR?
Accessory Short-Term Rentals (ASTRs) are allowed only where the dwelling is primarily long-term occupied; the resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days (approx. 9 months) per year. Type A permits (1–2 bedrooms) allow up to 5 guests, while Type B (3–5 bedrooms) require conditional use review. Multi-dwelling limits apply (one unit or 25% of units per structure), and hosts must comply with safety codes, smoke/CO alarm requirements, and transient lodging tax collection.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Portland?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Portland. 1) Apply online via the City’s Civic Portal and register your business with the City; include the resident’s ID and a copy of the neighborhood notice sent to surrounding neighbors. 2) Pay the non-refundable fee and submit documentation; Type A applicants self-certify safety compliance. 3) Permits are valid for two years; 10% of Type A applications are randomly selected for on-site inspection prior to issuance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Portland?
1) Apply online via the City’s Civic Portal and register your business with the City; include the resident’s ID and a copy of the neighborhood notice sent to surrounding neighbors. 2) Pay the non-refundable fee and submit documentation; Type A applicants self-certify safety compliance. 3) Permits are valid for two years; 10% of Type A applications are randomly selected for on-site inspection prior to issuance.
What is the difference between a Portland Type A and Type B STR permit?
Portland issues two main types of STR permits: Type A is for hosted rentals where the permit holder is present in the dwelling during all guest stays — for example, renting a private room while you live in the home. Type A does not require primary residency per se, but the host must be on-site. Type B is for unhosted rentals where the host is not present — renting your entire home to guests. Type B requires that the host's primary residence be the permitted property, and is subject to the 270-night annual cap. Operating an entire-unit rental without a Type B permit is a violation.
What is the 270-night annual cap for Portland STRs?
Portland limits Type B (unhosted, entire-unit) short-term rentals to 270 nights per calendar year. This means your property can be rented to short-term guests for no more than 270 nights annually — leaving at least 95 nights per year unavailable for STR use. The cap is enforced through platform data submissions. Exceeding the cap can result in permit suspension and recovery of lodging taxes from over-cap nights.
Can I rent my Portland home if I'm a landlord (not primary resident)?
No, under current rules. Portland's Type B permit requires that the STR host's primary residence be the permitted property. If you own a property but do not live there as your primary home, you cannot obtain a Type B unhosted permit. Type A hosted permits require the host to be physically present during all guest stays, which is also impractical for a non-resident landlord. Portland's STR framework is designed to allow homeowners to earn income from their primary homes, not to facilitate investor-owned vacation rentals.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction