October 2024
Disclaimer. This page is intended solely to assist you in understanding the regulations you may need to comply with. The information provided here is not exhaustive and may not reflect the most current legal standards. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws. For further guidance, please contact your local tax authorities or consult with a qualified legal or tax professional.
In July 2014, Portland City Council adopted the Ordinance 186736 which added Chapter 33.207 to the City Code. It regulates short-term rentals in the City. For more information about short-term rental regulations in Portland, you can check this page on the official Portlands’s website, or contact the City administration.
Occupancy Taxes
misterb&b registered with the local tax authorities to collect and remit certain taxes applicable to short-term rentals. For more information, check our FAQ about US sales/occupancy tax collection by misterb&b.
The Host must obtain a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate (online application here) before applying for a permit (even though misterb&b manages the TOT on behalf of the Hosts).
STR types
Accessory Short-term rental (ASTR) - when hosting in a residential unit
- Conditions. Only the residential units in which you occupy for at least 270 days during each calendar can be rented to transient Guests (for less than 30 consecutive nights).
- Host presence. Since only the units in which you reside at least 270 days during each calendar can be operated as ASTRs, you will only be allowed to rent such units in your absence for 95 days per year.
- 2 ASTR categories. Depending on the number of bedrooms rented out to transients guests: type A (2 bedrooms to 5 overnight guests) and type B (between 3 and 5 bedrooms to overnight guests).
Other types of short-term rentals
There are situations in which the operation of a short-term rental does not require a Type A permit or a Type B conditional use, nor a long-term resident. These situations apply when the zoning for a property, and the building’s use or occupancy, allows for commercial transient lodging.
This type of STR has limitations and conditions - others than the ones applied on ASTRs - varying to specific zones: we invite you to read this official page.
ASTR permits
- Type A. A Type A accessory short-term rental is where no more than 2 bedrooms are rented to overnight guests. This accommodation requires a permit, the application process can be done online here. More information about the process here.
- Type B. A Type B accessory short-term rental is where 3 or more bedrooms are rented to overnight guests. This accommodation requires a Conditional use review. More information on the Type B permit is available here.
You must add the permit number to your misterb&b listing(s) (go to the “Local Requirements” page, via “Edit my listing”). In the absence of your registration number, misterb&b may delete your listing.
Business License
All applicants must secure a business license. For more information about the business license tax and exemptions on the City's website.
Maintaining compliance
The hosting activity must respect all State and local regulations.
- Fire and safety. Bedrooms must be equipped with a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm (unless there is no carbon monoxide source in the dwelling unit).
- Guest log book. You must maintain a guest log book. It must include the names and home addresses of guests, guest's license plate numbers if traveling by car, dates of stay, and the room assigned to each guest. The log must be available for inspection by City staff upon request.
Third-party rules
- Community rules. You must abide by other contracts or rules binding you, such as co-op rules, CC&Rs, HOA rules, or other rules established by tenant organizations.
- Lease contract. If you are a renter, you must get the written permission from your landlord to use the property as a STR.