Lake Oswego, Oregon Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Lake Oswego 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 rentals are regulated in Lake Oswego. STRs are permitted on lots containing a single-family detached dwelling. STRs are not permitted in multi-family or attached housing, including apartments, condos, or townhomes in a residential zone. A person who owns a lot containing an STR must maintain their primary residence on the lot; however, the owner is not required to be present while the dwelling is being rented. To be considered the primary residence, the owner must live there most of the time. For more information, see Ordinance 2815.Business License Requirements
A Home Occupation Business License is required to operate an STR in the City. How to apply for a Business LicenseBuilding and Housing Standards
Hosts are also responsible for complying with all building, fire, and life safety codes and obtaining any licenses or permits that might be required by other jurisdictions, such as the Clackamas County Health Department for food preparation. A building permit will likely be required if you need to complete any dwelling remodeling. Contact the Building Department for more information about building permits and contact the Fire Department about fire and life safety codes.Tourist and Local Taxes
The tax of 6% is due 15 days after the end of the month of the rental. Taxes on rentals booked through an intermediary, such as Airbnb, are the responsibility of the intermediary. The homeowner is responsible for remitting the tax on any rentals booked directly with them. Transient Lodging Tax Information and remittance forms can be found here.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 City of Lake Oswego for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.0
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Competition
5.9 -
Real Estate Cost
4.4 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
7.3 -
Rental Rates
4.6
Lake Oswego, Oregon 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
- 39,822
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Clackamas
- Airports
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Mahlon Sweet Field (EUG)
Want to learn more about Lake Oswego?
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 Lake Oswego rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Lake Oswego rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Lake Oswego.
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 Lake Oswego guests.
Interested in other Oregon cities?
Check out the Oregon short term rental regulations directory
What makes Lake Oswego a great place to invest?
- Picturesque Lake Oswego: The sparkling waters of Lake Oswego, nestled within the verdant Pacific Northwest landscape, offer a stunning backdrop for your visit. Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the tranquil shoreline, or unwind with a picturesque picnic at one of the many lakeside parks.
- Art and Culture Haven: Lake Oswego's vibrant art scene is not to be missed. Visit the Arts Council of Lake Oswego's Gallery Without Walls, an outdoor sculpture exhibit that adds an artistic touch to the city's streets. Immerse yourself in the local talent with a performance at the Lakewood Theatre Company, or explore the city's history at the Oswego Heritage House and Museum.
- Outdoor Recreation Galore: With its lush forests, extensive hiking and biking trails, and numerous parks, Lake Oswego is a nature lover's dream. Take a stroll through the serene Tryon Creek State Natural Area, or challenge yourself with a hike up Iron Mountain Park. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the beautiful Oswego Lake Country Club or the public Lake Oswego Golf Course.
- Farmers' Market and Local Cuisine: The Lake Oswego Farmers' Market, held every Saturday from May to October, is a foodie's delight. Sample fresh, locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods, or enjoy live music as you peruse the stalls. Indulge in the city's diverse culinary scene, from cozy cafes to fine dining, with options that cater to every palate.
- Proximity to Portland: Just a short drive away from Lake Oswego, you'll find the bustling city of Portland, where you can catch a Portland Timbers soccer match or a Portland Trail Blazers basketball game. Discover the renowned Oregon Zoo, explore the enchanting International Rose Test Garden, or embark on a thrilling day trip to the stunning Columbia River Gorge or majestic Mount Hood.
Lake Oswego Nearby Cities
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- Rating: 5.2
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- Rating: 4.7
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Lake Oswego?
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 Lake Oswego has decreased -4% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $327, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$641,719
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Median per Square Foot
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$327
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,928
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Lake Oswego, Oregon
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 Lake Oswego has a description approximately 1,692 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 1,802 listings in Lake Oswego, 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, Quiet, Comfortable, Patio, Main, Downtown Portland, Place, Block, City, and Easy.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Lake Oswego?
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 Lake Oswego involve going to the Zoo, Hiking, Museums, Cycling, and Boating. 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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Zoo
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Hiking
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Museums
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Cycling
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Boating
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Health Spa
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City Centre
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Swimming
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Winery Tours
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Antiquing
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Outlet Shopping
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Adventure Activities
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Lake Oswego, including Moda Center, Oregon Convention Center, Hawthorne District, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and Washington Square Mall. 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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Well Known Attraction
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Hawthorne District
Included on 51% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Portland Art Museum
Included on 50% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Keller Auditorium
Included on 50% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Portland Japanese Garden
Included on 50% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Oregon Convention Center
Included on 49% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Providence Park
Included on 49% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Powell's City of Books
Included on 49% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Lewis and Clark College
Included on 49% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Moda Center
Included on 49% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Included on 49% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Lloyd Center
Included on 49% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Washington Square Mall
Included on 49% of listings
What’s the weather like in Lake Oswego, Oregon?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 63°, while the average low is about 46°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 52 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is relatively rare, averaging less than 5 inches per year. The humidity levels in Lake Oswego 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
37° Low 47° High
Spring
March through May
44° Low 62° High
Summer
June through August
55° Low 80° High
Fall
September through November
47° Low 64° High
Cities Near Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego, Oregon, is located in Clackamas County. Some cities that are located nearby include: