Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Rockland?

**Yes**, Rockland requires a Short-Term Rental permit. You need to apply through the Code Enforcement Department, with fees of $150 for owner-occupied and $450 for non-owner-occupied properties. All units must undergo a safety inspection before the permit is issued, so plan ahead. (52 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Rockland, ME?

**9% Maine lodging tax** is the applicable tax rate for short-term rentals in Rockland. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests. Most platforms like Airbnb and VRBO will automatically collect and remit this tax on your behalf, but double-check to confirm. (48 words)

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Rockland?

**No**, you do not need to live on-site full-time, but the permit fee differs. Owner-occupied short-term rentals have a permit fee of $150 annually, while non-owner-occupied properties pay $450 per year. All properties must comply with safety inspection requirements and occupancy limits. (51 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Rockland?

**Permit fees vary** based on occupancy. If you live on-site as your primary residence while renting, the annual fee is $150. If the property is not your primary residence, the annual permit fee is $450. All rentals must also pass a safety inspection to be compliant. (48 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Rockland?

**No**, the city of Rockland does not allow tenants to host short-term rentals. Only property owners are eligible to apply for and receive a short-term rental permit. Renters should consult their lease agreements and landlords before attempting to list a property on Airbnb. (46 words)

Rockland, ME Short-Term Rental Laws...

Baseline Verification

40%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

⛔

Strict

Score: 41 (moderate)

Why this classification:

•Moderate permit fee: $450
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of Rockland, you must register for an annual Short-Term Rental permit with the Code Enforcement Department. If you live on-site as your primary residence, the fee is $150; otherwise, it is $450 per year. You will need to pass a safety inspection and ensure you have liability insurance of at least $500,000. You are also required to collect the 9% Maine state lodging tax, though most platforms like Airbnb will handle this for you.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$450

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Rockland has a cap on the number of non-owner occupied STR permits issued city-wide; check availability before purchasing property.
2.The permit must be renewed annually by January 1st to avoid late fees.
3.Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, up to a maximum of 10 people.
4.You must designate a local contact person who can respond to complaints within 60 minutes.
5.Unincorporated Rockland County does not have these specific city rules; ensure your property is within city limits.
6.Short-term rentals are defined as stays of less than 30 consecutive days.
7.Advertising a unit without a permit number is a violation of the ordinance.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Rockland does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Rockland limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.
•Rockland allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family (limited), Accessory apartments.
•Rockland does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements(16)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Rockland: 1. Non-owner occupied (Type 2) rentals are capped at 45 total licenses city-wide. 2. Type 2 licenses are non-transferable; they do not stay with the property upon sale. 3. A local contact person living within 30 miles of Rockland must be available 24/7. 4. Parking must be provided on-site; guests cannot rely solely on street parking in many zones. 5. Only one short-term rental license is allowed per owner/entity. 6. Safety inspections by the Code Enforcement Officer may be required before the license is issued. 7. Failure to renew by the annual deadline may result in losing your 'cap' spot for Type 2 units.

Application Process(7)

•Rockland extended permit requirement: Fee is $125 for Owner-Occupied; $450 for Non-Owner Occupied.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Rockland charges a registration fee of $125 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $450 (Fee is $125 for Owner-Occupied; $450 for Non-Owner Occupied.).

Taxes(2)

•Maine has a state sales tax of 5.5% that applies to STR rentals.
•Rockland charges a Maine Lodging Tax of 9%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect the 9% Maine Lodging Tax automatically.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Rockland: Non-owner occupied (Type 2) rentals are capped at 45 total licenses city-wide.
•Rockland occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Rockland requires a minimum stay of 2 nights.
•Rockland enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(2)

•Rockland requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows must meet code, Functioning HVAC/Heating required.
•Rockland: Safety inspections by the Code Enforcement Officer may be required before the license is issued.

Penalties(2)

•Rockland enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 per day. Second offense: $250 per day. Third offense: $500 per day. Daily fine: Up to $2,500 for recurring violations. Maximum fine: $2,500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Rockland: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Rockland: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Rockland exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

Rockland

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(2)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Rockland

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Rockland?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rockland, ME?

3Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Rockland?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Rockland?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Rockland?

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