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

**Yes**, Missoula requires a Tourist Home permit for short-term rentals. You need to obtain a one-time zoning permit, which costs $413, and an annual city business license. Non-primary residence rentals in some residential zones may require a Conditional Use Permit and public hearing, so check zoning. *(56 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Missoula?

**8% TOT** is the current rate for short-term rentals in Missoula. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Check with the city's finance department for specific instructions on how to collect and submit the tax. Airbnb may handle tax collection. *(50 words)*

How much does an STR permit cost in Missoula?

**The Tourist Home permit costs** $413 in Missoula. This is a one-time zoning permit. In addition to the permit, you will also need to obtain an annual city business license. Check with the city's planning and development department for specific details on the application process and any additional fees. *(53 words)*

Can renters host on Airbnb in Missoula?

**Yes**, tenants in Missoula are allowed to host on Airbnb, provided they comply with all local regulations. The tenant must obtain the required Tourist Home permit and business license. It's also crucial for renters to review their lease agreement to ensure short-term rentals are permitted by the landlord. *(54 words)*

Missoula

Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Missoula?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Missoula, with some restrictions. Primary residences are typically permitted, but non-primary residence rentals (Type II) in certain residential zones may require a Conditional Use Permit. You should verify local zoning laws to ensure compliance before listing your property. *(52 words)*

Moderate

MontanaUpdated Apr 14, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Missoula regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes,' requiring a one-time zoning permit and an annual city business license. While primary residences are generally permitted, non-primary residence rentals (Type II) in certain residential zones may require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and public hearing.

Restriction level

Severity 16

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Moderate permit fee: $413
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in the City of Missoula, you must first determine if you are renting your primary home or a second property. You'll need to apply for a 'Tourist Home Permit' which costs around $413, and then obtain a standard City Business License for roughly $100 annually. You are also required to notify your neighbors of your plans and ensure your home meets basic fire safety standards like egress windows and smoke detectors. Once approved, you must collect the state's 8% lodging taxes, though platforms like Airbnb usually handle this for you automatically.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$413

Processing time4-6 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify your property is within City Limits; unincorporated Missoula County rules are entirely different.
2Non-primary residence rentals in 'R' zones usually require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a public hearing.
3ADUs are eligible for Tourist Home permits, but only if the primary unit is owner-occupied.
4The 8-guest limit is a strict maximum regardless of the size of the house.
5Neighbors must be notified by mail before the permit can be approved.
6You must have at least one off-street parking space dedicated to the rental unit.
7Stays of 30 days or more are exempt from these regulations and the lodging tax.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Missoula allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires notarized owner consent and separate business license.
Missoula: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Missoula, MT: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Missoula: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements21 rules

Missoula STR warning: Non-primary residence rentals in 'R' zones usually require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a public hearing.
Missoula, MT: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Missoula, MT: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process13 rules

STR regulations overview for Missoula: The City of Missoula regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes,' requiring a one-time zoning permit and an annual city business license. While primary residences are generally permitted, non-primary residence rentals (Type II) in certain residential zones may require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and public hearing.

Fees & costs1 rule

Missoula charges a registration fee of $413 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $100 (A separate annual Business License fee (approx. $100) is also required.).

Taxes1 rule

Missoula charges a Montana Lodging Facility Use & Sales Tax of 8%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect the 4% Sales Tax and 4% Use Tax (Total 8%) at checkout for Montana listings.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Missoula enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Missoula: Verify your property is within City Limits; unincorporated Missoula County rules are entirely different.
Missoula, MT occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional guests, up to a maximum of 8.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Missoula requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Self-certification of life-safety standards, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms.

Penalties3 rules

Missoula enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of Violation. Second offense: Municipal Infraction ($100 - $500). Third offense: Permit Revocation. Daily fine: $100. Maximum fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Missoula, MT: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions4 rules

Missoula: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Missoula exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Missoula: Stays of 30 days or more are exempt from these regulations and the lodging tax.

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Missoula

Moderate

MontanaUpdated Apr 14, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 16

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Moderate permit fee: $413
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$413

Processing time4-6 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify your property is within City Limits; unincorporated Missoula County rules are entirely different.
2Non-primary residence rentals in 'R' zones usually require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a public hearing.
3ADUs are eligible for Tourist Home permits, but only if the primary unit is owner-occupied.
4The 8-guest limit is a strict maximum regardless of the size of the house.
5Neighbors must be notified by mail before the permit can be approved.
6You must have at least one off-street parking space dedicated to the rental unit.
7Stays of 30 days or more are exempt from these regulations and the lodging tax.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Missoula allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires notarized owner consent and separate business license.
Missoula: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Missoula, MT: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Missoula: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements21 rules

Missoula STR warning: Non-primary residence rentals in 'R' zones usually require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which involves a public hearing.
Missoula, MT: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Missoula, MT: Hosts must report their rental activity quarterly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process13 rules

STR regulations overview for Missoula: The City of Missoula regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes,' requiring a one-time zoning permit and an annual city business license. While primary residences are generally permitted, non-primary residence rentals (Type II) in certain residential zones may require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and public hearing.

Fees & costs1 rule

Missoula charges a registration fee of $413 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $100 (A separate annual Business License fee (approx. $100) is also required.).

Taxes1 rule

Missoula charges a Montana Lodging Facility Use & Sales Tax of 8%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO generally collect the 4% Sales Tax and 4% Use Tax (Total 8%) at checkout for Montana listings.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Missoula enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Missoula: Verify your property is within City Limits; unincorporated Missoula County rules are entirely different.
Missoula, MT occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional guests, up to a maximum of 8.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Missoula requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Self-certification of life-safety standards, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms.

Penalties3 rules

Missoula enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of Violation. Second offense: Municipal Infraction ($100 - $500). Third offense: Permit Revocation. Daily fine: $100. Maximum fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Missoula, MT: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions4 rules

Missoula: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Missoula exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Missoula: Stays of 30 days or more are exempt from these regulations and the lodging tax.

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Missoula?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Missoula?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Missoula?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Missoula?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Missoula?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Missoula?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Missoula?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Missoula?

Disclaimer