Oregon Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2025 Update)

With dramatic coastlines, vibrant cities, and stunning high desert terrain, Oregon welcomes a diversity of visitors throughout the year. Travelers turn to short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo for more personalized stays, and property owners in the Beaver State see growing opportunities for revenue. 

However, Oregon does not have a single, statewide short-term rental law. Instead, hosts must abide by state tax obligations and localized regulations that can vary widely. This article highlights the primary considerations for operating a short-term rental in Oregon, including licensing requirements, lodging taxes, and notable city-level guidelines.

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Oregon’s Definition of a Short-Term Rental

Oregon does not adopt a uniform definition of “short-term rental” across all counties and cities. Many local governments consider any stay under 30 days as transient lodging. Certain municipalities or coastal resort areas introduce their own thresholds, such as capping the number of rental nights allowed per year or distinguishing owner-occupied rentals from non-owner-occupied ones. Hosts should consult local codes to see whether a property used for weekend or weekly stays is labeled as a vacation rental, tourist accommodation, or some other lodging category, as this classification typically determines permit and tax requirements.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Oregon

Oregon property owners generally face two sets of requirements when listing on Airbnb or similar sites: state-level tax rules and local ordinances. At the state level, owners may need to collect and remit transient lodging taxes (TLT) unless the platform does so automatically. Some choose to register their short-term rental under a business entity, such as an LLC, which then requires registration with the Oregon Secretary of State.

Local regulations can be more complex, especially in high-tourism areas like the Oregon Coast, Bend, or parts of Portland. Hosts might need a special short-term rental permit, comply with noise ordinances, or observe occupancy limits. Homeowners association (HOA) documents may also have their own requirements or outright bans on short-term rentals. Checking municipal and county websites for official guidance helps ensure compliance from the outset.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Oregon

Oregon does not offer a single, statewide short-term rental license, so licensing is generally handled at the local level. Cities that attract many visitors often enact specific rules. Examples include:

• Safety inspections for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms
• Mandatory renewal of short-term rental permits on an annual or biennial basis
• Restricting how many nights per year a non-owner-occupied property can operate as a vacation rental

Failing to get the correct permit or ignoring occupancy limits can result in citations, fines, or forced listing removal. Hosts in resort towns, such as those along the coast, should pay especially close attention to updates from local planning boards, which frequently adjust ordinances based on community feedback.

Oregon Short-Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rentals in Oregon are subject to the state’s transient lodging tax, typically at a rate of 1.5%. However, many counties and cities add their own local lodging taxes, which can raise the combined rate to 10% or more. If the booking platform does not handle tax remittance, the owner must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue and relevant local tax authorities. Keeping detailed records of nightly rates, guest fees, and occupancy is essential to ensure correct tax filing.

Moreover, some jurisdictions use these lodging taxes to fund tourism marketing or community projects, so the rules might differ slightly from one area to another. Late or inaccurate submissions can lead to penalties, so hosts should confirm both the state lodging tax and any city or county add-ons before going live with a listing.

Vacation Rental Tax Deductions

If you rent out a property in Oregon for more than 14 days per year and follow the standard IRS guidelines, you may qualify for various deductions, including mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and depreciation. Accurate record keeping is vital, particularly if you use the home personally at any point. Distinguishing rental use days from personal use days helps ensure correct calculations for allowable deductions. Consulting a tax professional or reviewing IRS publications can clarify how to maximize these benefits while remaining compliant.

Short-Term Rental Regulations by Major Locations in Oregon

Portland

Portland has some of the state’s most detailed short-term rental rules. Hosts renting out rooms or entire units for fewer than 30 days usually need an Accessory Short-Term Rental permit, with separate categories for owner-occupied vs. non-owner-occupied dwellings. The city also enforces safety requirements and collects local lodging taxes on top of the state TLT rate. Platforms like Airbnb often remit these taxes, but owners should confirm this coverage. Violations of occupancy caps or unauthorized rentals can lead to fines or forced closure.

Bend

Bend’s rapid tourism growth has led to short-term rental regulations aimed at preserving local housing and character. The city uses a licensing system that differentiates between primary residences and investment properties, including a limit on the number of vacation rentals permitted in certain neighborhoods. Hosts must follow noise and parking ordinances closely, particularly in residential zones. Bend’s lodging tax, combined with the state TLT, makes accurate tax collection essential. Repeated complaints can result in permit revocation.

Salem‍

Salem, the state capital, enforces transient lodging taxes but does not have a specialized short-term rental permit as of this writing. Owners must adhere to any general business license rules, if required, and ensure their listing meets standard building and zoning codes. Some neighborhoods enforce their own parking or noise restrictions, so hosts should keep these local concerns in mind. Lodging tax collection is mandatory unless a platform handles it entirely.

Eugene

Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene sees a steady influx of short-term visitors for sports events, academic conferences, and tourism. While the city does not have an overarching short-term rental ban, neighborhood associations may impose restrictions in residential areas. Collecting the transient lodging tax is required, along with any local add-ons the city imposes. Host platforms sometimes handle these taxes, but verifying complete coverage is wise. If city officials receive multiple nuisance complaints, they can escalate enforcement measures or discuss new rental rules.

Oregon Coast (Newport, Lincoln City, Seaside, etc.)

Coastal towns in Oregon, popular for beach vacations, often adopt stricter short-term rental controls to manage housing availability and neighborhood impacts. Some communities impose annual caps on non-owner-occupied rentals or require a specific local permit. Ordinances can enforce quiet hours, occupant limits, and off-street parking requirements. Local lodging taxes typically stack on top of the state TLT, raising the total rate significantly. Because laws in these communities evolve in response to tourist surges and resident feedback, owners should watch for frequent planning commission updates.

Takeaway

Oregon’s diverse landscapes and tourism markets create robust opportunities for short-term rental hosts. Yet, with no single statewide licensing system, compliance often depends on local permit rules, occupancy restrictions, and building codes. Meanwhile, collecting transient lodging taxes (1.5%) plus potential city or county add-ons remains a consistent requirement, unless a platform does it on your behalf.

Owners should stay informed of municipal council agendas or county planning sessions, especially in fast-growing or heavily visited areas where short-term rental policies may change. By adhering to local guidelines, accurately remitting lodging taxes, and making a thorough distinction between rental and personal use days (for tax deduction purposes), short-term rental operators in Oregon can maintain profitable ventures while offering visitors a comfortable and compliant stay in the Beaver State.