Short Term Rental Registration

What is a Short Term Rental or Tourist Home?

Short Term Rental means any dwelling unit, as that term is used in the International Residential Code adopted in Title 15, MMC, that is rented out for a period of occupancy less than 28 consecutive days where the renter/guest has a principal residence other than the short term rental. Short term rental is intended to include tourist homes regulated under Title 20, MMC, as well as other types of dwelling units offered for short term occupancy (less than 28 days). Short term rental does not include rental of less than a full dwelling unit, such as the rental of a room or rooms in an owner-occupied home.

Use the following guide to determine if you must register as a short term rental, if you must register as a short term rental and identify that it is a tourist home, or if you are exempt. 

What are the regulations for short term rentals? 

 Short Term Rentals regulations require hosting platforms to verify that listings comply with local laws by collecting the listing's City of Missoula Short Term Rental Registration number [MMC 5.130]. Hosting platforms must now take steps to confirm each property's registration status. This change aims to boost accountability and ensure all short-term rentals meet community standards. 

In additiion to Short Term Rental regulations, tourist homes in a residential (R) district must submit a Neighbor Notification list during the application process. Tourist homes are reviewed for compliance with Title 20 zoning code [MMC 20.40.135].  During the short term rental application process, applicants must indicate if they are a tourist home. Tourist homes are dwelling units that are used most of the time as a short term rental. No one lives in the unit long term as a primary residence. 

You will receive your Short Term Rental Number (20YY-MSS-STR-00###) when you submit your registration application. You can provide that to the hosting platforms immediately. 

Other Regulations

Short Term Rentals are responsible for compliance with all applicable county and state regulations, including:

• A Public Accommodations License from the Missoula City-County Health Department. 
• A Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax account with the Montana Department of Revenue. 

Homeowner association covenants, condo by-laws, and other contracts may prohibit operating a short term rental or tourist home. The City of Missoula does not govern these agreements. Check before you register.

What steps are needed to register for a Short Term Rental?