Short-Term Rental Regulations in Montana (MT)
Montana has a light level of short-term rental regulation. STR-friendly. STR operators must register with the state. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Montana requires STR operators to register for a lodging facility use tax license. 4% state lodging tax applies. HB 337 (2023) limits local governments' ability to ban STRs but allows reasonable regulations. Popular resort towns have additional rules.
Full Requirements Summary
Montana 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 Montana
STR regulations vary by city within Montana. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | Moderate | STR permit required in some zones. Growing housing concerns. State lodging tax plus local resort tax. |
| Whitefish | Moderate | STR registration required. Resort community near Glacier NP. Resort tax of 3% plus state lodging tax. |
| Missoula | Moderate | STR regulations in residential zones. University town with housing concerns. Lodging tax applies. |
| Big Sky | Light | Major ski resort area. STRs common. Resort tax applies. Limited additional regulation. |
| Helena | Light | State registration required. Minimal additional local regulation. Lodging tax applies. |
How Montana Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Montana with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Montana stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (MT) | Light | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
| Arizona (AZ) | Light | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Connecticut (CT) | Light | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
| Delaware (DE) | Light | No | Yes | No limit | No |
| Idaho (ID) | Light | No | No | No limit | No |
| Iowa (IA) | Light | No | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Montana?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Montana. You must register with the state. The state's overall restriction level is light. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Montana?
Montana does not require a state-level STR license. However, registration with the state is required. Individual cities in Montana 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 Montana?
Yes, Montana 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 Montana has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Bozeman has the most restrictive STR regulations in Montana with a moderate restriction level. STR permit required in some zones. Growing housing concerns. State lodging tax plus local resort tax.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Montana?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Montana 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 Montana, 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.