What are the key requirements for Moorhead hosts?

Non-resident owners MUST have a local manager living in Clay County, MN or Cass County, ND.

What should Moorhead hosts know about r-home (formerly crime free multi-housing)?

R-HOME (formerly Crime Free Multi-Housing) training is mandatory for all rental owners/managers.

What are the key requirements for Moorhead hosts?

Property taxes and all other city obligations must be current to receive a rental certificate.

What should Moorhead hosts know about maximum of 4 unrelated adults?

Maximum of 4 unrelated adults allowed per dwelling, regardless of the number of bedrooms.

Moorhead

Permissive

STRs Allowed

MinnesotaLast updated: February 11, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

Moorhead requires all short-term rental properties to be registered annually with the city and undergo mandatory safety inspections and owner training.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Moorhead, you must register your property with the city's Neighborhood Services department and pay an annual fee. You are required to pass an annual safety inspection and complete the 'R-HOME' (Rental Home Owners and Managers Education) training program. If you don't live in Clay County (MN) or Cass County (ND), you must designate a local property manager who does.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$2,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Moorhead allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Tenants must have written owner consent and the property must be registered.
•Moorhead does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Moorhead: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(11)

•Moorhead STR warning: Non-resident owners MUST have a local manager living in Clay County, MN or Cass County, ND.
•Moorhead requires STR registration. The permit is called "Rental Registration Certificate". Apply through Neighborhood Services. Processing time: 2-4 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Moorhead: You must display your permit/registration number on your Airbnb listing.

Application Process(9)

•Moorhead STR permit - Step 5: Display Registration Certificate. Once approved, the city will mail a certificate which must be posted in a conspicuous location near the front entrance of the rental. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Moorhead charges a registration fee of $150 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $85 (Fee for owner-occupied dwellings with only one additional unit/room for rent.).

Taxes(2)

•Moorhead: Property taxes and all other city obligations must be current to receive a rental certificate.
•Minnesota has a state sales tax of 0.06875% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Moorhead occupancy calculation: Maximum of 4 unrelated adults regardless of dwelling size; space must meet square footage requirements (70 sq ft for first occupant, 50 sq ft for each additional).. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Moorhead enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Moorhead requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, GFCI protection near sinks, Functional egress windows, Annual rental housing inspection, Working plumbing and heating.

Penalties(3)

•Moorhead: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Moorhead enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Administrative citation. Second offense: Civil or criminal charges. Third offense: Revocation of registration. Maximum fine: 2000. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Moorhead exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Units where occupants are related to the owner.
•Moorhead: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Minnesota Markets

Duluth

Minnesota

Prohibited

Duluth regulates STRs through a three-tiered permitting system that distinguishes between owner-occupied home shares and full-time vacation rentals, the latter of which is subject to a citywide cap.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Bloomington

Minnesota

Prohibited

Short-term rentals of less than 30 consecutive days are strictly prohibited in Bloomington.

0.2% total tax

Eden Prairie

Minnesota

Permissive

Short-term rentals in Eden Prairie are permitted provided the owner obtains an annual Rental Housing License and passes a mandatory fire safety inspection.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

St. Paul

Minnesota

Moderate

St. Paul requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain a Fire Certificate of Occupancy and register with the Department of Safety and Inspections. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units, with the latter potentially requiring additional zoning approvals.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Moorhead

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Moorhead

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 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 Moorhead?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Moorhead?

3Are there rental night limits in Moorhead?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Moorhead?

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