Portland, Maine Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Portland Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rental laws in Portland were approved by the City Council and were effective on January 1, 2018. All short-term rental units must be registered annually by January 1 and renewed by December 31 in accordance with these requirements.Business License Requirements
Short-term rentals need to apply for a Short Term Rental Registration. View the Short-Term Rental Requirements for more information.Building and Housing Standards
Portland has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Building Codes for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Portland website for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating5.9
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Competition
5.3 -
Real Estate Cost
4.7 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
2.7 -
Rental Rates
8.8
Portland, Maine Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 68,408
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Cumberland
- Airports
- Portland International Jetport (PWM)
- Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM)
Want to learn more about Portland?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Portland rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Portland rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Portland.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Portland guests.
Interested in other Maine cities?
Check out the Maine Airbnb rules directory
What makes Portland a great place to invest?
- Vibrant Food Scene: Portland, Maine, is widely recognized for its exceptional culinary offerings, with a growing number of award-winning restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. From fresh seafood caught straight from the Atlantic to farm-to-table ingredients, the city boasts an array of diverse and delicious dining experiences. Don't miss the iconic Portland Lobster Company or Holy Donut, known for their mouthwatering Maine potato donuts.
- Historic Charm: The city's rich history is beautifully preserved through its charming cobblestone streets, historic maritime buildings, and the iconic Portland Head Light. Built in 1791, the lighthouse offers stunning views of Casco Bay, making it a must-visit for history buffs and photographers alike. The Old Port district also provides a glimpse into the city's past with its restored 19th-century brick buildings.
- Outdoor Recreation: Portland's coastal location offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Casco Bay provides ample opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Nearby, Peaks Island offers scenic walking trails, bike rentals, and the picturesque Battery Steele, a former military installation turned public park. Additionally, the Eastern Promenade Trail is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its stunning views of the bay and ample green spaces.
- Urban Green Spaces: Portland is home to numerous parks and gardens that offer a serene retreat from city life. The Eastern Promenade, a historic park along the city's waterfront, offers panoramic views of Casco Bay and plenty of space for picnicking, sports, and outdoor relaxation. Deering Oaks Park, another popular destination, features beautiful walking paths, a tranquil pond, and a bustling Saturday farmers' market during the warmer months.
- Easy Day Trips: The city's convenient location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. The picturesque coastal towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, and Boothbay Harbor are just a short drive away, offering beautiful beaches, quaint shops, and charming restaurants. For nature lovers, the majestic White Mountains of New Hampshire and the serene beauty of Acadia National Park are both accessible for a day of hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Portland Nearby Cities
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11 miles away
- Rating: 6.3
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24 miles away
- Rating: 5.3
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Portland?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Portland has increased 16% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $448, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$601,445
16% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$448
15% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,406
5% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Portland
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Portland, Maine
Common terms for Portland short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Portland has a description approximately 1,471 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,451 listings in Portland, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Portland, Old Port, Maine, Comfortable, Beautiful, City, Deck, Quiet, Spacious, and Walking.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Portland?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Portland involve Museums, Cycling, Boating, the City Centre, and Sailing. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Museums
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Cycling
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Boating
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City Centre
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Sailing
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Swimming
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Antiquing
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Marina
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Kayaking
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Outlet Shopping
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Whale Watching
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Hiking
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Portland, including Maine Mall, Thompson's Point, State Theatre, Maine Medical Center, and Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal
Included on 66% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Merrill Auditorium
Included on 66% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Victoria Mansion
Included on 65% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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East End Beach
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Maine Medical Center
Included on 63% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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State Theatre
Included on 62% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Cross Insurance Arena
Included on 62% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Included on 62% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Maine Mall
Included on 61% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Thompson's Point
Included on 61% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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University of New England
Included on 61% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Willard Beach
Included on 61% of listings
What’s the weather like in Portland, Maine?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 55°, while the average low is about 39°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 37 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 50 inches per year. The humidity levels in Portland are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
20° Low 34° High
Spring
March through May
37° Low 53° High
Summer
June through August
59° Low 75° High
Fall
September through November
43° Low 58° High
Cities Near Portland
Portland, Maine, is located in Cumberland County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
