Oregon Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2026 Guide)

Oregon's Pacific Coast, Crater Lake, Columbia River Gorge, and cities like Portland and Bend make it one of the West Coast's premier STR destinations — and one of the most actively regulated. Whether you already own a vacation rental in Oregon or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in Oregon vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers Oregon's approach to short-term rental regulation at the state level, then breaks down the rules in key markets investors and hosts need to know. Regulations as of 2026 — always verify current rules directly with your local municipality before listing.

If you'd like help navigating STR compliance in Oregon, Awning's property management team operates in Bend, the Oregon Coast, and the Columbia River Gorge and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How Oregon Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in Oregon is generally defined as a residential property rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer. Any rental longer than this threshold is typically treated as a long-term rental and subject to different rules.

Does Oregon Require a Statewide STR License?

Oregon requires STR hosts to collect and remit transient lodging taxes. Local permits are required in most major cities and counties, and regulations have tightened significantly since 2019.

Oregon Short-Term Rental Taxes

Oregon imposes a statewide 1.8% Transient Lodging Tax on STR income, plus local TLTs ranging from 1–13.5% depending on the city or county. Portland adds a 6% city TLT on top of the Multnomah County rate. Airbnb collects state and most local lodging taxes automatically.

Regardless of which booking platform you use, it is your responsibility as a host to ensure all applicable taxes are collected and remitted correctly. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back taxes, and potential loss of your ability to operate.

STR Regulations by City in Oregon

Below are the key STR markets in Oregon and their current regulatory requirements. City regulations change frequently — check with your local planning or licensing department for the most current rules before investing.

Portland

Portland requires a Short-Term Rental Permit from the Bureau of Development Services. Owner-occupied STRs are treated more leniently than non-owner-occupied. The city enforces strict density limits and has banned non-owner-occupied STRs in many residential zones.

Bend

Bend requires a City of Bend STR License through the Community Development Department. The city has adopted a permit cap system for non-owner-occupied STRs in residential areas in response to rapid growth and housing affordability concerns.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach requires an STR License through the city and enforces strict occupancy limits. The city has debated caps on total STR numbers as housing affordability has emerged as a key community issue.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in Oregon

• Does your city or county require an STR permit or license?
• Are there caps on the number of STR permits in your neighborhood or zone?
• Is your property owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied — and does that distinction affect your eligibility?
• What occupancy, noise, and parking rules apply to your specific property?
• Which taxes are you responsible for collecting and remitting vs. what the platform handles?
• Does your HOA or condo association allow short-term rentals?

The Bottom Line

Oregon's STR regulatory environment ranges from investor-friendly rural counties to tightly regulated resort towns and urban cores. Understanding the specific rules in your target market — not just at the state level — is what determines whether your rental operates smoothly or faces costly disruptions.

Staying on top of changing regulations is one of the most valuable things a professional property manager brings to your operation. Awning manages short-term rentals in Bend, the Oregon Coast, and the Columbia River Gorge and monitors local regulatory changes so you don't have to. Reach out to learn how we can help you operate compliantly and profitably in Oregon.