Can I Short-term Rental my Portland House?

Can I Short-term Rental my Portland House?

Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 3 votes

Hi all. I have a single-family house (3 bed, 2.5 bath) in Portland on the Southwest side (near Beaverton). I'd like to keep the house, though my wife and I moved away years ago. We've been going through a Property Management company to rent it, however, I'm interested in short term rentals (for vacations) so that I can have the house a few months out of the year to use as a second home.

I've read the Portland restricts Short Term rentals, however; they're cracking down on Airbnb's and you must get a license.

My question is: do I qualify at all? I'm a non-Oregon resident who will reside in the home 1-2 months out of the year. Are there management companies that can act as a go-between/subletter?

0Reply
78 views

Most Popular Reply

Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 6 votes
7y

@Jonathan Kang Airbnb requires that the owner occupy the residence for 9 months of the year if you live in the city of Portland. However, there are some unincorporated areas that may have different requirements. That may be something to check into depending on the location of your rental. Here is a link to Airbnb's page describing requirements and regulations for the city of Portland.  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/875/portland-or

Let me know if you need additional information and I would be happy to help. I live in Portland and provide consulting and management services for short-term rentals. 

See this reply in the discussion

16 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Specialist · Owings Mills, MD · Member since 2017 · 485 posts · 415 votes
    7y

    @Jonathan Kang

    . Have property inspected per code
    . Apply for a licence
    . Rent it through AirBnB

    This link should Help

  • Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 6 votes
    7y

    @Jonathan Kang Airbnb requires that the owner occupy the residence for 9 months of the year if you live in the city of Portland. However, there are some unincorporated areas that may have different requirements. That may be something to check into depending on the location of your rental. Here is a link to Airbnb's page describing requirements and regulations for the city of Portland.  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/875/portland-or

    Let me know if you need additional information and I would be happy to help. I live in Portland and provide consulting and management services for short-term rentals. 

  • Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 3 votes
    7y

    @Amanda S. thanks for the details! Would you happen to know where I can look up unincorporated areas? I’m on the border of Beaverton but still officially Portland.

  • Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 6 votes
    7y

    @Jonathan Kang You should check with the city and county. Here is a link to information about unincorporated areas within Multnomah County. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/article/74303

    I would suggest looking at Portland Maps https://www.portlandmaps.com/ to find more details on your property. It is a good place to start, so you know the right folks to contact. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Arlington, TX · Member since 2016 · 706 posts · 611 votes
    7y

    Yes you are allowed to Airbnb in Portland with a few restrictions. I actually just stayed at an Airbnb in Portland a few months ago when I went back home. I know there are quite a few rules such as getting the renters first and last name. Also getting their license plate information. I was taken back by it but after the host explained it I understood. I also just had an Airbnb host from PDX on my podcast named Veronica Hanson. Reach out to her. She's got a lot of information on short term rentals in the area.

  • Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 3 votes
    7y

    @Amanda S. Awesome. Just did a search and my house is unincorporated and part of Washington County. Some Googling didn't result in any regulations towards Short Term Rentals. I've also cleared this with the HOA. So I guess it's smooth sailing? Or should I consult someone from Washington County at least?

  • Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 6 votes
    7y

    @Jonathan Kang I would suggest calling Washington county. Trying to find clear/correct information on unincorporated areas can be tricky! 

  • Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 3 votes
    7y

    @Amanda S. Awesome. Thanks for all the help!

  • Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 6 votes
    7y

    @Jonathan Kang You’re welcome! I’m happy to help! DM me if you need help with anything else.

  • Investor · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2016 · 23 posts · 4 votes
    6y

    @Amanda S. Would like to connect also on STR thanks!

  • Member since 2019 · 6 posts · 6 votes
    6y

    @Willi W. Hi there! I will send a private message with my contact info. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Portland OR · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    6y

    You might consider doing 30days To 9 month  furnished rentals instead of airbnb.... the folks I know that do this do very well.... also far less “rules” ...


    eta just realized this is an old thread ....

  • Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    Amanda hi Amanda s,

    I am in unincorporated Portland, Multnomah county. I am off of Skyline and thinking about the short term rental idea. 
    Do you have information on how signing up for Air b-n-b would be different in this area? Would I have more freedom?

    Thanks, Gordon

  • Cory CarlsonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · OR · Member since 2018 · 311 posts · 226 votes
    3y

    @Gordon Watt Check out the Portland website and do some digging there. Here is the site for ASTR permitting in Portland. See on the right for general inquiries and compliance help. https://www.portland.gov/bds/astr-permits

    Constant Commercial Real Estate Inc543 Reviews
  • Real Estate Agent · Portland, OR · Member since 2020 · 278 posts · 136 votes
    3y

    @Gordon Watt One other thing to look at is doing a mid-term rental as well. Since you are near OHSU/Saint V's it might be another option as well. If you still want to go the route of Airbnb, I would recommend these resources: 

    Airbnb Permitting Help - Melissa Wright at STRpermit.com or Descansa PDX can help as well.

    If you are looking for more midterm rentals I'd look at FurnishedFinders - Create your own listing on a site frequented by traveling nurses/doctors. 

    If you have more questions, just let me know and DM me :)

  • Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    3y
    Quote from @William Sing:

    @Gordon Watt One other thing to look at is doing a mid-term rental as well. Since you are near OHSU/Saint V's it might be another option as well. If you still want to go the route of Airbnb, I would recommend these resources: 

    Airbnb Permitting Help - Melissa Wright at STRpermit.com or Descansa PDX can help as well.

    If you are looking for more midterm rentals I'd look at FurnishedFinders - Create your own listing on a site frequented by traveling nurses/doctors. 

    If you have more questions, just let me know and DM me :)


     Even if you are in unincorporated Multnomah county the Portland city rule for requiring a permit is still in effect! No Air BnB without a permit!

    Unincorporated Washington County no such rule even if you have a Portland address.

    I think the ‘FurnishedFinders’ website is the best alternative. 30day minimum stay, no permit required, usually a single professional. I think that is the plan!


    Thanks William!

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.