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Duluth

Minnesota · United States
Pending
Last updated: 2026-08-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-08-23  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Duluth Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusProposed / pending
Permit / License RequiredYes (Accessory Home Share or VDU Permit + State Lodging License)
Tax Rate6.875% state sales tax + 5.5% Duluth lodging tax + local sales taxes
Night / Day Cap21 nights/year for unhosted primary (AVDUL); no cap for full VDU (but capped citywide)
Permit Fee$150-$500 annual fee depending on permit category
PenaltiesNot specified in source
Primary Residence RequiredYes for Accessory Home Share; No for Vacation Dwelling Units (VDU)
Occupancy Limit2 per bedroom + 2 extra, max 12 guests
Browse all 10 STR regulations in Minnesota → Browse all 549 STR regulations in United States →

Duluth Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Duluth Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental regulations in Duluth, Minnesota are currently under development or pending approval as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes (Accessory Home Share or VDU Permit + State Lodging License). The associated permit fees are $150-$500 annual fee depending on permit category.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Duluth

Short-term rental operators in Duluth should be aware of these tax obligations: 6.875% state sales tax + 5.5% Duluth lodging tax + local sales taxes.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Duluth

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Duluth include: Primary residence requirement: Yes for Accessory Home Share; No for Vacation Dwelling Units (VDU). Rental day cap: 21 nights/year for unhosted primary (AVDUL); no cap for full VDU (but capped citywide). Occupancy limit: 2 per bedroom + 2 extra, max 12 guests.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Duluth

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Duluth: Proposed ban on converting single-family homes to short-term rentals; existing permits to be phased out. Density rules: Citywide limit of 60 active non-primary VDU permits in residential neighborhoods; 300ft buffer between rentals in some zones.. Insurance: Yes (commercial general liability).

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Duluth

Hosts who fail to comply with Duluth's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Not specified in source.

Platform Obligations in Duluth

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Duluth: Active permit numbers must be visible on all listing advertisements.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Pending
License / Registration
Yes (Accessory Home Share or VDU Permit + State Lodging License)
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
$150-$500 annual fee depending on permit category
Primary Residence Rule
Yes for Accessory Home Share; No for Vacation Dwelling Units (VDU)
Night / Day Cap
21 nights/year for unhosted primary (AVDUL); no cap for full VDU (but capped citywide)
Occupancy Limit
2 per bedroom + 2 extra, max 12 guests
Tax Rate
6.875% state sales tax + 5.5% Duluth lodging tax + local sales taxes
Zoning Restrictions
Proposed ban on converting single-family homes to short-term rentals; existing permits to be phased out
Density Rules
Citywide limit of 60 active non-primary VDU permits in residential neighborhoods; 300ft buffer between rentals in some zones.
Insurance Required
Yes (commercial general liability)
Platform Obligations
Active permit numbers must be visible on all listing advertisements
Compliance Notes
Duluth has enacted stricter short-term rental regulations effective immediately. New short-term rentals cannot be established in single-family homes, and existing single-family residential properties are prohibited from converting to STR use. The city's fire department Life Safety Division now oversees STR permitting and enforcement, replacing prior administrative handling. The ordinance also targets illegal rentals and strengthens enforcement mechanisms.
Effective Date
Pending (adoption expected after November 2026)
Key Notes
['City staff proposed dropping existing caps in favor of outright ban', 'Moratorium in place expires November 2026', 'Phase-out timeline for existing permits not yet finalized']
Penalties
Not specified in source
📋 Apply / Register with the Official Authority

Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.

Official Source ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Duluth?

Short-term rental regulations in Duluth are currently under development. Rules may change as legislation is finalized. Duluth has enacted stricter short-term rental regulations effective immediately. New short-term rentals cannot be established in single-family homes, and existing single-family residential properties

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Duluth?

Yes. Duluth requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes (Accessory Home Share or VDU Permit + State Lodging License).

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Duluth?

Short-term rental hosts in Duluth are subject to the following tax obligations: 6.875% state sales tax + 5.5% Duluth lodging tax + local sales taxes.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Duluth?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Duluth may face enforcement. Not specified in source.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Duluth?

['City staff proposed dropping existing caps in favor of outright ban', 'Moratorium in place expires November 2026', 'Phase-out timeline for existing permits not yet finalized']

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