| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | 9% Maine state lodging tax (no local add-on) |
| Night / Day Cap | Non-owner-occupied: ~285 unit citywide cap. No per-property night cap for owner-occupied. |
| Permit Fee | $100 |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes |
Short-term rentals in Portland, Maine are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $100.
Short-term rental operators in Portland should be aware of these tax obligations: 9% Maine state lodging tax (no local add-on).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Portland include: Primary residence requirement: Yes. Rental day cap: Non-owner-occupied: ~285 unit citywide cap. No per-property night cap for owner-occupied..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Portland but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Tiered fees: owner-occupied 1st unit $100, 2nd $250, 3rd $500, 4th $1,000; non-owner-occupied can reach $4,000 for 5th unit+. New tenant-occupied STRs prohibited as of 2026. ADUs not classified as own
Yes. Portland requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Portland are subject to the following tax obligations: 9% Maine state lodging tax (no local add-on).
Among the most aggressively regulated STR markets in Maine. Non-OO cap reduced to ~285 units Aug 2024. New non-OO permits effectively frozen.
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