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Missoula

Montana · United States
Active
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — Missoula Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusPermitted with registration
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateMontana lodging facility sales and use tax (state-level; register with Montana Dept. of Revenue). Missoula-specific transient lodging tax also applies
Minimum StayDefined threshold: rentals of less than 28 consecutive days where the renter/guest has a principal residence other than the STR property
Permit FeeAnnual Short-Term Rental Registration fee (via Missoula Accela Permit & Licensing Portal); Public Accommodations License fee (Missoula City-County Hea
PenaltiesFines of $500–$1,000 per day for violations; license revocation possible for repeated non-compliance. City actively monitors platforms for unlicensed
Occupancy LimitSubject to zoning and building code; STR regulations distinguish between full dwelling rentals and room-only (owner-occupied) rentals — room rentals i
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Missoula Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Missoula Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental operations in Missoula, Montana are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are Annual Short-Term Rental Registration fee (via Missoula Accela Permit & Licensing Portal); Public Ac.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Missoula

Short-term rental operators in Missoula should be aware of these tax obligations: Montana lodging facility sales and use tax (state-level; register with Montana Dept. of Revenue). Missoula-specific transient lodging tax also applies; platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO may collect and remit, but operators remain responsible for comp.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Missoula

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Missoula include: Occupancy limit: Subject to zoning and building code; STR regulations distinguish between full dwelling rentals and room-only (owner-occu. Minimum stay: Defined threshold: rentals of less than 28 consecutive days where the renter/guest has a principal residence other than .

Zoning and Location Requirements in Missoula

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Missoula: STRs permitted in residential zones subject to zoning compliance verification. Tourist Homes (units used primarily as STRs with no long-term primary resident) are subject to neighbor notification requ. Density rules: No confirmed city-wide density cap in official sources; zoning district-level restrictions may apply. Insurance: Not explicitly mandated in available official sources.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Missoula

Hosts who fail to comply with Missoula's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines of $500–$1,000 per day for violations; license revocation possible for repeated non-compliance. City actively monitors platforms for unlicensed listings..

Platform Obligations in Missoula

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Missoula: Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) may collect lodging taxes on operators' behalf; operators remain ultimately responsible. Registration number must be displayed in all listings..

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Active
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
Annual Short-Term Rental Registration fee (via Missoula Accela Permit & Licensing Portal); Public Accommodations License fee (Missoula City-County Health Dept.); application process takes 20+ minutes online, approval takes approximately 3–4 weeks
Occupancy Limit
Subject to zoning and building code; STR regulations distinguish between full dwelling rentals and room-only (owner-occupied) rentals — room rentals in owner-occupied homes are exempt from STR registration
Tax Rate
Montana lodging facility sales and use tax (state-level; register with Montana Dept. of Revenue). Missoula-specific transient lodging tax also applies; platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO may collect and remit, but operators remain responsible for compliance.
Zoning Restrictions
STRs permitted in residential zones subject to zoning compliance verification. Tourist Homes (units used primarily as STRs with no long-term primary resident) are subject to neighbor notification requirements in residential districts. Zoning framework delineates eligible residential and mixed-use zones.
Minimum Stay
Defined threshold: rentals of less than 28 consecutive days where the renter/guest has a principal residence other than the STR property
Density Rules
No confirmed city-wide density cap in official sources; zoning district-level restrictions may apply
Insurance Required
Not explicitly mandated in available official sources
Platform Obligations
Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) may collect lodging taxes on operators' behalf; operators remain ultimately responsible. Registration number must be displayed in all listings.
Compliance Notes
Required registrations: (1) City of Missoula Short-Term Rental Registration (annual, via Accela Portal); (2) Public Accommodations License from Missoula City-County Health Dept.; (3) Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax account with Montana Dept. of Revenue. Must maintain guest register with names and contact info for at least one year. HOA covenants may independently prohibit STRs — City does not govern HOA agreements. Between Sept. 2024 and Jan. 2025, 160 new licenses were issued, a significant acceleration from prior years.
Effective Date
STR Registration framework operative; December 2024 registration requirements update in effect as of 2025–2026
Key Notes
STR defined as: any dwelling unit rented for less than 28 consecutive days where the renter/guest has a principal residence elsewhere. Room-only rentals in owner-occupied homes are exempt. Tourist Homes face stricter requirements including neighbor notification in residential zones. City actively monitors Airbnb/VRBO for unlicensed operators.
Penalties
Fines of $500–$1,000 per day for violations; license revocation possible for repeated non-compliance. City actively monitors platforms for unlicensed listings.
Additional Context
Missoula is home to the University of Montana, generating year-round STR demand. The STR market accelerated significantly in 2024–2025. Operators must file lodging taxes quarterly with the Montana Dept. of Revenue.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Missoula?

Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Missoula with proper registration and permits. Required registrations: (1) City of Missoula Short-Term Rental Registration (annual, via Accela Portal); (2) Public Accommodations License from Missoula City-County Health Dept.; (3) Lodging Facility

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Missoula?

Yes. Missoula requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Missoula?

Short-term rental hosts in Missoula are subject to the following tax obligations: Montana lodging facility sales and use tax (state-level; register with Montana Dept. of Revenue). Missoula-specific transient lodging tax also applies; platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO may collect and remit, but operators remain responsible for compliance..

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Missoula?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Missoula may face enforcement. Fines of $500–$1,000 per day for violations; license revocation possible for repeated non-compliance. City actively monitors platforms for unlicensed listings..

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Missoula?

STR defined as: any dwelling unit rented for less than 28 consecutive days where the renter/guest has a principal residence elsewhere. Room-only rentals in owner-occupied homes are exempt. Tourist Homes face stricter requirements including neighbor notification in residential zones. City actively monitors Airbnb/VRBO for unlicensed operators.

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