Portland, Maine

It’s important for you to understand your local laws if you want to become an Airbnb host. We provide a platform and marketplace, but we don’t provide legal advice. Even so, we want to share some information to help you understand laws and other rules that relate to short-term rentals in the City of Portland, ME.

Short-term rental regulations

In April 2017, the Portland City Council approved regulations for short-term rentals in the City which went into effect on January 1, 2018. These regulations require all short-term rental units to be registered annually by January 1 and renewed by December 31 of each year.

Registration

You can download the registration form here. This form must be completed each year for renewal. Operating without a permit can result in penalties for Hosts. There is also a $1,000 fine for providing false information on a registration form.

To complete registration, please visit the Licensing and Registration Office in Room 307, 3rd floor, City Hall at 389 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101. Fore information visit the City’s website, contact housingsafety@portlandmaine.gov, or call 207-756-8131.

Adding registration details to your listing(s)

You can add registration details, like a registration or permit number, to your listing. To add this number to your listing, go to Listings, select the listing you want, and add the number under Regulations.

Other rules

It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Our commitment to your community

We’re committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the short-term rental community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to share their homes.