Can I Airbnb in Bar Harbor, ME? (2026)

Bar Harbor requires every short-term rental (under 30 days) to hold an annual town registration that expires May 31, with a $275 non-refundable application fee and a triennial life-safety inspection. Owner-occupied rentals (VR-1, 2-night minimum) are allowed in most districts, but whole-home rentals that are not the owner's primary residence (VR-2, 4-night minimum) are capped town-wide at 9% of dwelling units, are non-transferable, and are prohibited outright in many residential and shoreland districts; because registrations remain above the cap, new VR-2s are available only through a waitlist. Maine's 9% state lodging tax applies on top.

What’s required: a Short-Term Rental Registration (VR-1 or VR-2) ($275) is required; occupancy taxes apply; renew annual.