Comprehensive short-term rental guides for 15 markets in Maine.
2 markets
Maine
Ogunquit requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual license from the Town Clerk and comply with specific performance standards found in Zoning Ordinance Sec 1007.4. Hosts must adhere to strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count and provide proof of liability insurance.
The City of Rockland regulates short-term rentals through a mandatory annual permit system with distinct fees for owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties. All units must undergo a safety inspection and comply with occupancy limits based on bedroom count.
8 markets
Kennebunkport requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license through the Town Clerk's office. The town enforces a cap on the number of non-owner-occupied licenses and limits owners to a maximum of two STR properties.
The Town of Camden regulates short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) through a mandatory annual licensing program and specific performance standards in the zoning ordinance. All hosts must meet safety requirements and pay the 9% Maine state lodging tax, though there is no additional local municipal tax.
Effective January 1, 2025, Kennebunk requires all short-term rental units (rentals under 15 days) to register with the Town Clerk and pass a mandatory fire safety inspection.
The Town of Wells requires all short-term rentals to register annually with the Town Clerk. Regulations adopted in 2023 established a two-tier fee system and strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count.
The Town of York, Maine, requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to be licensed annually under Article 12. Hosts must pay a $200 annual fee, provide proof of $500,000 liability insurance, and adhere to strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count.
Bar Harbor strictly regulates short-term rentals through a two-tiered registration system (VR-1 for primary residences and VR-2 for investment properties). Non-primary residence rentals (VR-2) are subject to a town-wide cap of 9% of total housing units, and permits for this category are currently difficult to obtain due to the cap.
The Town of Boothbay Harbor requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual license under Chapter 150 of the Municipal Code. There is a $100 annual fee, and hosts must provide proof of insurance and meet specific occupancy limits based on bedroom count.
Old Orchard Beach requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to be licensed annually through the Planning and Code Enforcement Department. The town employs a cap system and a lottery for new non-owner occupied licenses in specific high-density zones.
5 markets
Augusta, ME does not currently enforce a citywide short-term rental permit system or registration, though hosts must comply with state-level lodging taxes.
Brunswick does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement. Hosts are primarily subject to state-level regulations, including the 9% Maine Lodging Tax and general safety codes.
Orono requires annual registration for all short-term rentals (homestays) and distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties.
The City of Portland requires all short-term rentals to register annually with the Housing Safety Office. Regulations distinguish between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units, with a strict citywide cap of 400 registrations for non-owner occupied units.
The Town of Mount Desert requires all short-term rentals (stays under 28 days) to register annually with the Code Enforcement Officer. The ordinance focus is on safety compliance and noise mitigation rather than residency requirements, allowing both primary and secondary homes to be rented.