Short-Term Rental Regulations in Maine (ME)
Maine has a moderate level of short-term rental regulation. Some restrictions. STR operators must register with the state. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Maine LD 1337 (2022) requires STR registration with the state. 9% lodging tax applies. Platforms collect and remit. Portland enacted a strict owner-occupancy requirement. Many coastal towns have their own STR ordinances.
Full Requirements Summary
Maine has 1 key regulatory requirement at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | Yes | State has specific STR legislation |
| Registration Required | Yes | Must register with state/local authority |
| License Required | No | No state-level license |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Maine
STR regulations vary by city within Maine. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Very Heavy | Owner must live on-site or adjacent for un-hosted STRs. Registration with city required. Very limited non-owner-occupied permits. 9% state lodging tax. |
| Bar Harbor | Heavy | STR registration required. Gateway to Acadia. Town has capped number of STR permits in residential zones. |
| Kennebunkport | Moderate | STR registration and local licensing required. Seasonal tourism destination. |
| Bangor | Light | State registration required. Less restrictive than coastal towns. |
| Augusta | Light | State registration required. Minimal additional local regulation. |
How Maine Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Maine with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Maine stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (ME) | Moderate | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Florida (FL) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Georgia (GA) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Illinois (IL) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Louisiana (LA) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Maine?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Maine. You must register with the state. The state's overall restriction level is moderate. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Maine?
Maine does not require a state-level STR license. However, registration with the state is required. Individual cities in Maine may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Maine?
Yes, Maine has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Maine has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Portland has the most restrictive STR regulations in Maine with a very heavy restriction level. Owner must live on-site or adjacent for un-hosted STRs. Registration with city required. Very limited non-owner-occupied permits. 9% state lodging tax.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Maine?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Maine state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Maine, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.