Short-Term Rental Laws in Portland, OR (2026)
Portland allows short-term rentals only as 'Accessory Short-Term Rentals' (ASTRs) inside a dwelling where a long-term resident (owner or renter) lives at least 270 days per year — dedicated whole-home vacation rentals are effectively prohibited in residential zones. A Type A ASTR permit (up to 2 bedrooms, max 5 guests) currently costs $400 and must be renewed every two years (rising to $504 on July 10, 2026); renting 3-5 bedrooms requires a Type B conditional use review. The biggest restriction is the residency rule: the host may be away and renting to guests no more than 95 days per calendar year. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
Reviewed by the STR Rule Watch research team against 9 official sources. How we verify data
Portland STR rules at a glance
| Legal status | Primary residence only |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes |
| Permit name | Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Permit (Type A for 1-2 bedrooms; Type B conditional use for 3-5 bedrooms) |
| Permit fee | $400 |
| Renewal | Biennial |
| Owner occupancy required | No |
| Primary residence only | Yes |
| Max units per owner | 1 |
| Total occupancy taxes | ~16% of gross revenue |
| Enforcement | Portland Permitting & Development (PPD) enforces ASTR rules, primarily via complaints and the Short-Term Rental Registry on Portland Maps; less than half of complaints from July 2023-June 2025 (46% of 417) resulted in citations. |
| Current rules effective | 2025-07-01 |
What will guests pay in taxes on a Portland stay?
Itemized occupancy taxes for Portland, OR — enter your nightly rate to see the real cost breakdown.
Portland occupancy tax calculator
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Oregon Transient Lodging Tax (state) (1.5%)· collection varies | $6.75 |
| City of Portland Transient Lodgings Tax (6%)· collection varies | $27.00 |
| Multnomah County Transient Lodgings Tax (5.5%)· collection varies | $24.75 |
| Portland Tourism Improvement District (TID) fee (3%)· collection varies | $13.50 |
| Portland Housing and Homelessness Fee (nightly fee on short-term rentals) (0%)· collection varies | $0.00 |
| Total tax (16%) | $72.00 |
| Guest pays | $522.00 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Permits & licensing
Portland requires Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Permit (Type A for 1-2 bedrooms; Type B conditional use for 3-5 bedrooms) to operate a short-term rental — the fee is $400, renewed every two years.
Per the PP&D Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule effective July 1, 2025 through July 9, 2026: Type A fee is $400 (listed as 'Business Operation Validation Fee' for 1 & 2 dwelling structures, renewing every 2 years; and as $400 initial/$400 renewal for multi-dwelling structures), with a $147 delinquent renewal fee. Fees increase July 10, 2026 to $504 (delinquent $186). Type B additionally requires a paid Conditional Use land use review plus a $245 inspection verification fee ($309 from July 10, 2026).
Zoning & location rules
ASTR regulations apply citywide in all zones (Portland Zoning Code Chapter 33.207). An ASTR must be accessory to a residential use: a resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year, and the host may be absent while renting no more than 95 days/year. Type A permits allow renting max 2 bedrooms to max 5 guests in any residential structure type (including ADUs, with a 2-bedroom site max); Type B (3-5 bedrooms) requires a Type II Conditional Use review. In multi-dwelling structures and triplexes, ASTRs are capped at 1 unit or 25% of units, whichever is greater. Commercial meetings (weddings, parties) are prohibited for Type A. In commercial zones, non-accessory STRs may instead be treated as a Retail Sales And Service use.
Taxes
| Tax | Rate | Who collects |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Transient Lodging Tax (state)Applies to stays of 29 nights or fewer. Airbnb and other registered platforms collect and remit for platform bookings; direct-booking hosts remit to the Oregon Department of Revenue. | 1.5% | varies |
| City of Portland Transient Lodgings Tax5% to the City general fund, 1% to Travel Portland. Registered booking agents (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) collect and remit on hosts' behalf; hosts must still register with the Revenue Division within 15 days and self-remit (quarterly) for direct bookings. | 6% | varies |
| Multnomah County Transient Lodgings TaxAdministered with the City tax by the Portland Revenue Division (combined city+county 11.5%). Platforms collect for platform bookings; hosts remit for direct bookings. | 5.5% | varies |
| Portland Tourism Improvement District (TID) feeTID rose from 2% to 3% effective July 1, 2024 (made permanent by Council in December 2023, replacing the 1% Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Surcharge). Applies to STRs and booking agents; Airbnb itemizes it (historically as 2% TID + 1% surcharge). | 3% | varies |
| Portland Housing and Homelessness Fee (nightly fee on short-term rentals)Flat $4 per night per stay (not a percentage) for stays of 1-30 nights, under City Code Chapter 6.09 (amended by Ordinance 191957 effective Jan 1, 2025). Due from booking agents/intermediaries and STR hosts; Airbnb collects it as the 'Portland Affordable Housing Fee.' Funds affordable housing and homelessness initiatives. | 0% | varies |
Enforcement & penalties
Portland Permitting & Development (PPD) enforces ASTR rules, primarily via complaints and the Short-Term Rental Registry on Portland Maps; less than half of complaints from July 2023-June 2025 (46% of 417) resulted in citations. Since May 2025, first violations get citations under a revised procedure, and unresolved or recurring issues are escalated to a Hearings Officer. During an Ombudsman investigation opened after a first-time operator was fined $115,823 for 18 violations (fines later rescinded), PPD adopted a $27,513 cap on first-time-offender fines in May 2025, applied retroactively (about $365,000 in fines dismissed for seven other operators). The Ombudsman's March 2026 report found enforcement 'more punitive than enforcement by other cities across the country' (first-time maximum fines at least 27 times higher than any surveyed city, historically issued without warnings) and recommends a one-time warning and a ~$7,255 first-time maximum.
ASTR citation fines under the FY2025-26 fee schedule: $1,451 first offense, $4,345 second, $7,239 third and each additional offense, assessable across up to five violation categories; total first-time-offender fines capped at $27,513 since May 2025. Fines rise to $1,829 / $5,475 / $9,122 effective July 10, 2026. A revoked Type A permit bars a new permit for that resident at that site for 2 years.
⚠️ HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
Getting legal in Portland: the playbook
Generated from this market's verified rules — each step traces to the sources at the bottom of this page.
- 1
Confirm you qualify
Portland limits short-term rentals to your primary residence — check this threshold before spending anything on applications. Investment properties generally do not qualify.
- 2
Verify your zoning
Location rules apply: 207). An ASTR must be accessory to a residential use: a resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year, and the host may be absent while renting no more than 95 days/year. Confirm your parcel's zoning with the city before applying — the full zoning rules are detailed above.
- 3
Check the covenant layer
HOA/condo rules may prohibit STRs regardless of city law.
- 4
Apply for the Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Permit (Type A for 1-2 bedrooms; Type B conditional use for 3-5 bedrooms)
Budget $400, renewed every two years. Per the PP&D Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule effective July 1, 2025 through July 9, 2026: Type A fee is $400 (listed as 'Business Operation Validation Fee' for 1 & 2 dwelling structures, renewing every 2 years; and as $400 initial/$400 renewal for multi-dwelling structures), with a $147 delinquent renewal fee. Apply through the city — the official application page is linked in the sources below.
- 5
Set up tax collection & remittance
Platforms don't collect everything here: Oregon Transient Lodging Tax (state) (1.5%), City of Portland Transient Lodgings Tax (6%), Multnomah County Transient Lodgings Tax (5.5%), Portland Tourism Improvement District (TID) fee (3%), Portland Housing and Homelessness Fee (nightly fee on short-term rentals) (0%) are remitted by the host. Register with the taxing authority before your first booking and calendar the filing deadlines.
- 6
Configure your listing to the operating limits
Set your calendar and listing rules to respect the 1-unit-per-owner limit — platform delisting and fines in this market typically start with listings that visibly violate these limits.
- 7
Calendar the renewal before you forget it
This permit renews every two years (budget $400 again). Most cities take weeks to process renewals and don't send reminders — our Host plan emails you at 60/30/7 days out.
- 8
Know the cost of getting it wrong
ASTR citation fines under the FY2025-26 fee schedule: $1,451 first offense, $4,345 second, $7,239 third and each additional offense, assessable across up to five violation categories; total first-time-offender fines capped at $27,513 since May 2025. Fines rise to $1,829 / $5,475 / $9,122 effective July 10, 2026. Full enforcement details and penalties are covered above.
Recent rule changes in Portland
August 15, 2026material
Portland ASTR permit fee rises to $504; citation fines up to $9,122 (eff. July 10, 2026)
Portland's new Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule, effective July 10, 2026, raises the Type A Accessory Short-Term Rental permit fee (application and biennial renewal) from $400 to $504, the delinquent renewal fee from $147 to $186, and the Type B inspection verification fee from $245 to $309. ASTR citation fines also increased from $1,451/$4,345/$7,239 to $1,829 (first offense), $5,475 (second), and $9,122 (third and each additional offense) — budget the higher renewal cost and note the steeper penalties for operating without a valid permit.
Official source →April 27, 2026material
FY2026-27 fee schedule adopted: ASTR fees and fines rise July 10, 2026
PP&D's adopted Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule effective July 10, 2026 raises the Type A ASTR fee from $400 to $504 (delinquent renewal $147 to $186), the Type B inspection verification fee from $245 to $309, and ASTR citation fines to $1,829 (first), $5,475 (second) and $9,122 (third and subsequent offenses). Applications paid on or after July 10 pay the new fee.
Official source →March 4, 2026material
City Ombudsman report criticizes ASTR enforcement, recommends warnings and lower fines
The Ombudsman found Portland's STR enforcement more punitive than any surveyed city (first-time maximum fines at least 27x higher, no warnings), documented that fines fell disproportionately on non-white, immigrant and LGBTQ+ operators, and recommended a one-time warning for first-time violators, a maximum first-time fine of about $7,255 applied retroactively to 2024, proactive rather than complaint-based enforcement, and a hard 95-day cap on rental days.
Official source →May 27, 2025material
Citation procedure updated; $27,513 first-time fine cap; FY25-26 fee increases
The City updated its ASTR citation procedure (escalation to a Hearings Officer for unresolved or recurring violations) and adopted 5-6% increases to ASTR initial, renewal and delinquent fees effective July 1, 2025. In May 2025 PPD also adopted a $27,513 cap on fines for first-time offenders, applied retroactively — dismissing roughly $365,000 in fines against seven operators (one operator had faced $115,823).
Official source →January 1, 2025
Nightly STR fee code amended (Ordinance 191957)
City Code Chapter 6.09, which imposes the $4-per-night fee on short-term rental stays of 1-30 nights (itemizable to guests as the 'Portland Housing and Homelessness Fee', funding affordable housing and homelessness initiatives), was amended by Ordinance 191957 effective January 1, 2025.
Official source →July 1, 2024
Tourism Improvement District fee made permanent at 3%
Following a December 2023 City Council vote, the TID fee on lodging including short-term rentals rose from 2% to 3% and became permanent effective July 1, 2024, while the temporary 1% Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Surcharge was terminated — keeping the combined lodging take roughly level.
Official source →
Frequently asked questions
›Is Airbnb legal in Portland?
Airbnb is legal in Portland, OR, only for your primary residence — dedicated investment properties generally cannot be short-term rentals. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›Do I need a permit for a short-term rental in Portland?
Yes. Portland requires a Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Permit (Type A for 1-2 bedrooms; Type B conditional use for 3-5 bedrooms) to operate a short-term rental, which costs $400 and must be renewed every two years. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›How much does a Portland short-term rental permit cost?
The Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Permit (Type A for 1-2 bedrooms; Type B conditional use for 3-5 bedrooms) costs $400 (biennial renewal). Per the PP&D Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule effective July 1, 2025 through July 9, 2026: Type A fee is $400 (listed as 'Business Operation Validation Fee' for 1 & 2 dwelling structures, renewing every 2 years; and as $400 initial/$400 renewal for multi-dwelling structures), with a $147 delinquent renewal fee. Fees increase July 10, 2026 to $504 (delinquent $186). Type B additionally requires a paid Conditional Use land use review plus a $245 inspection verification fee ($309 from July 10, 2026).
›Can I Airbnb a non-primary residence in Portland?
Generally no. Portland limits short-term rentals to the operator's primary residence, which rules out running a dedicated investment property as a short-term rental in most cases. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Portland?
Hosts in Portland are subject to: Oregon Transient Lodging Tax (state) (1.5%), City of Portland Transient Lodgings Tax (6%), Multnomah County Transient Lodgings Tax (5.5%), Portland Tourism Improvement District (TID) fee (3%), Portland Housing and Homelessness Fee (nightly fee on short-term rentals) (0%) — roughly 16% total on gross rental revenue. Platforms like Airbnb collect some of these automatically; check each line's collection method on this page.
›How many short-term rentals can I own in Portland?
Portland caps operators at 1 short-term rental unit, and the unit must be your primary residence. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›Does Airbnb collect taxes automatically in Portland?
No — in Portland hosts are responsible for registering, collecting, and remitting the listed occupancy taxes themselves. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.
›What happens if I operate a short-term rental illegally in Portland?
ASTR citation fines under the FY2025-26 fee schedule: $1,451 first offense, $4,345 second, $7,239 third and each additional offense, assessable across up to five violation categories; total first-time-offender fines capped at $27,513 since May 2025. Fines rise to $1,829 / $5,475 / $9,122 effective July 10, 2026. See the enforcement section on this page for full details.
›When did Portland's current short-term rental rules take effect?
The current ordinance took effect on July 1, 2025. See the change timeline on this page for amendments since, and the sources section for the official text.
Portland's STR rules changed 5 times recently.
Get an email the moment Portland changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
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More resources
- How to get a short-term rental permit in Portland
- Portland short-term rental taxes explained
- Can I Airbnb in Portland?
- All Oregon STR laws by city
- Occupancy tax calculator
- Compare STR permit costs across cities
- Portland ranks among most expensive str permit cities
- Portland ranks among highest str occupancy tax cities
- STR city rankings: strictest, cheapest permits & more
- What is a primary-residence requirement?
- What is transient occupancy tax?
- Best STR compliance tools, compared
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Sources
- Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Permits - Portland.gov (Portland Permitting & Development)retrieved July 9, 2026
- Accessory Short-Term Rental (ASTR) Type A Permits - 1-2 Bedrooms - Portland.govretrieved July 9, 2026
- ASTR Permits - Read Before You Apply - Portland.govretrieved July 9, 2026
- Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule, City of Portland, effective July 1, 2025 (PP&D)retrieved July 9, 2026
- Enforcement Fee and Penalty Schedule, City of Portland, effective July 10, 2026 (PP&D adopted FY2026-27 schedule)retrieved July 9, 2026
- Portland Zoning Code Chapter 33.207 Accessory Short-Term Rentalsretrieved July 9, 2026
- Transient Lodgings Filing and Payment Information - Portland Revenue Divisionretrieved July 9, 2026
- Ombudsman report: Accessory Short-Term Rentals - Changes in City rules and enforcement methods needed (March 4, 2026)retrieved July 9, 2026
- Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Oregon - Airbnb Help Centerretrieved July 9, 2026
This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules change and enforcement varies — verify current requirements with Portland and a qualified professional before operating.