Airbnb legal hosting requirements in Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, has specific regulations for short-term rental (STR) operators to ensure responsible hosting and community balance. Whether you’re listing a spare room or an entire property, understanding and complying with the city’s rules is essential. This guide covers everything you need to legally host on Airbnb in Portland, Maine.

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1. Register for a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit

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• All Airbnb hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the City of Portland Housing Safety Office.

• There are two types of STR permits:

  • Owner-Occupied STR Permit: For hosts renting out a room or a portion of their primary residence.

  • Non-Owner-Occupied STR Permit: For entire properties not used as a primary residence.

• Apply through the city's online portal or at the Housing Safety Office. Learn more

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2. Pay the Required Permit Fees

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• Permit fees vary based on property type:

  • Owner-Occupied STRs: Approximately $100 annually.

  • Non-Owner-Occupied STRs: Fees can range from $1,000 to $2,000 annually.

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3. Comply with Zoning and Unit Limits

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• Verify your property is located in a zone that allows STRs.

• Non-owner-occupied STRs are limited to certain zoning districts.

• The city caps the number of non-owner-occupied STR units allowed in multi-unit buildings. Zoning Map

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4. Meet Health and Safety Requirements

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• Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers in all rental spaces.

• Maintain proper sanitation and building code compliance. Safety Guidelines

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5. Collect and Remit Taxes

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• Hosts must register with Maine Revenue Services to collect and remit:

  • State Sales Tax (5.5%)

  • Lodging Tax (9%)

• Some platforms like Airbnb collect these taxes on your behalf, but hosts are ultimately responsible for tax compliance. Register Here

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6. Display Permit Number on Listings

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• Portland requires that your STR permit number be displayed on all online listings, including Airbnb and VRBO.

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7. Neighbor Notification

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• Hosts are required to notify neighbors in adjacent units about their STR activity.

• Provide emergency contact details and outline measures to mitigate noise or disturbances.

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

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Failure to comply with Portland’s STR regulations can result in:

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• Fines: Up to $100 per day for owner-occupied units and up to $1,000 per day for non-owner-occupied units.

• Permit Revocation: Repeat violations can lead to suspension or revocation of your STR permit.

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Helpful Resources for Portland Airbnb Hosts

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• Airbnb Hosting Rules in Los Angeles (For insights into how large cities manage STR compliance)

• Airbnb Licensing Requirements in Washington D.C. (Comparison of licensing processes in other cities)

• Airbnb Permit Process in Denver (Step-by-step permit application guidance)

• Booking.com Rules for Vacation Rental Compliance (Tips for multi-platform compliance)

• Do I Need a License to List on VRBO in Austin? (Learn about similar regulations in other markets)

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How Lodge Compliance Can Help

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Lodge Compliance simplifies the process of managing short-term rental compliance in Portland, Maine. With our tools and resources, you can:

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• Automate Permit Tracking: Keep track of renewal dates and permit statuses.

• Simplify Tax Remittance: Automatically calculate and manage local and state taxes.

• Ensure Legal Compliance: Access up-to-date regulatory guidance specific to Portland.

• Streamline Operations: Use our platform to manage guest check-ins, safety standards, and neighbor notifications.

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Stay focused on providing exceptional guest experiences while we handle the complexities of compliance. Request a Demo today and keep your rental business running smoothly.

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Stay Compliant and Provide Memorable Stays

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Operating an Airbnb in Portland, Maine, requires attention to detail and compliance with local laws. Securing the proper permits, following safety standards, and maintaining good neighbor relations will help you build a successful and legally compliant hosting business.