| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes (Accessory Home Share or VDU Permit + State Lodging License) |
| Tax Rate | 6.875% state sales tax + 5.5% Duluth lodging tax + local sales taxes |
| Night / Day Cap | 21 nights/year for unhosted primary (AVDUL); no cap for full VDU (but capped citywide) |
| Permit Fee | $150-$500 annual fee depending on permit category |
| Penalties | Fines up to $1,000 per violation and revocation of permit for repeated rule non-compliance. |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes for Accessory Home Share; No for Vacation Dwelling Units (VDU) |
| Occupancy Limit | 2 per bedroom + 2 extra, max 12 guests |
Short-term rentals in Duluth, Minnesota 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 (Accessory Home Share or VDU Permit + State Lodging License). The associated permit fees are $150-$500 annual fee depending on permit category.
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.
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 considerations for short-term rentals in Duluth: Full VDUs restricted by citywide permit caps (60 total in residential zones, waitlist active). No caps in Form Districts (Downtown/Commercial).. 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).
Hosts who fail to comply with Duluth's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to $1,000 per violation and revocation of permit for repeated rule non-compliance..
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Duluth: Active permit numbers must be visible on all listing advertisements.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Duluth but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Accessory Home Share permits are cap-exempt if the owner resides on-site. Life safety inspection and local manager required for VDUs.
Yes. Duluth requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes (Accessory Home Share or VDU Permit + State Lodging License).
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.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Duluth may face enforcement. Fines up to $1,000 per violation and revocation of permit for repeated rule non-compliance..
The city historically maintains a strict waitlist for residential Vacation Dwelling Unit permits.
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