Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Lincoln, NH?

**Yes**, Lincoln requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a land use permit. You need to apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit, which costs $50. Additionally, all operators must register with the state for the Meals and Rentals tax before hosting guests. Ensure compliance with fire safety inspections.

What is the TOT tax rate in Lincoln, NH?

**Tax rates vary;** check with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for Meals and Rentals tax details. Short-term rental operators in Lincoln are required to register with the state to collect and remit these taxes. The specific rate can depend on various factors, so verifying is essential.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Lincoln, NH?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Lincoln, NH, provided you comply with local regulations. You must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and register for the Meals and Rentals tax with the state. Ensure your property passes a fire safety inspection and provides adequate off-street parking to operate legally.

How much does an STR permit cost in Lincoln, NH?

**The permit costs** $50. Lincoln requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a land use permit, which involves paying this one-time fee. In addition to the permit, operators must also register with the state for the Meals and Rentals tax. Make sure to comply with all requirements to avoid penalties.

Lincoln

Q: What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Lincoln, NH?

**Operating an illegal** STR in Lincoln, NH, can result in fines and legal penalties. You need to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and register with the state for the Meals and Rentals tax to operate legally. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to enforcement actions by the town.

Permissive

STRs Allowed

New HampshireLast updated: February 13, 2026

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Lincoln requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a one-time land use permit and register with the state for the Meals and Rentals tax. While there is no complex occupancy cap, properties must pass a fire safety inspection and provide adequate off-street parking.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 5 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Lincoln, you need to apply for a local Short-Term Rental Permit from the Town Planning Department, which costs a one-time fee of $50. You also need to register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue for a tax license, even if Airbnb collects the tax for you. Your property will need to pass a fire inspection to ensure it has proper exits and detectors. There are no limits on how many nights you can rent out your home, but you must ensure guests park in designated spots on your property rather than on the street.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.New Hampshire's tax threshold for 'short term' is 185 days, much longer than the typical 30-day US standard.
2.You MUST have a NH Meals & Rentals Tax License number before the town will issue a local permit.
3.Parking is strictly enforced; you must provide a sketch showing where guests will park off-street.
4.There is no local Lincoln city tax; you only pay the 8.5% state tax.
5.Properties on septic systems are limited in occupancy based on the state-approved septic capacity, not just bedroom count.
6.The town permit is technically a 'Land Use Permit' and may be revoked if neighbors report persistent noise or parking issues.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Lincoln, NH: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Lincoln, NH: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Lincoln: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Lincoln: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(13)

•Lincoln STR warning: New Hampshire's tax threshold for 'short term' is 185 days, much longer than the typical 30-day US standard.
•Lincoln STR warning: You MUST have a NH Meals & Rentals Tax License number before the town will issue a local permit.
•Lincoln: Parking is strictly enforced; you must provide a sketch showing where guests will park off-street.

Application Process(10)

•Lincoln STR permit - Step 1: Obtain NH Meals and Rentals Tax License. Register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration to get your tax ID, which is required for the local permit. Time: 1 week.
•Lincoln, NH extended permit requirement: A $50 fee is listed for 'Short Term Rental' in the Land Use Permit Fee Schedule revised 2021.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Lincoln charges a registration fee of $50 (one_time).

Taxes(3)

•Lincoln: You MUST have a NH Meals & Rentals Tax License number before the town will issue a local permit.
•Lincoln: There is no local Lincoln city tax; you only pay the 8.5% state tax.
•Lincoln: New Hampshire's tax threshold for 'short term' is 185 days, much longer than the typical 30-day US standard.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Lincoln occupancy calculation: Limited by septic capacity and number of bedrooms. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Lincoln: Properties on septic systems are limited in occupancy based on the state-approved septic capacity, not just bedroom count.
•Lincoln enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Lincoln 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 fire code, Visible house numbers.

Penalties(4)

•Lincoln enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Notice of violation. Second offense: Fines per NH RSA 676:17 ($275/day). Third offense: Legal action/Injunction. Daily fine: $275. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Lincoln: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(3)

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

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 New Hampshire Markets

Conway

New Hampshire

Moderate

The Town of Conway requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to obtain an annual permit and pass a life safety inspection. The town enforces strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count and requires proof of a New Hampshire Meals and Rentals Tax License.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Franconia

New Hampshire

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Franconia are strictly regulated by an ordinance adopted in 2020. Hosts must obtain an annual permit from the town, pay a $250 fee, and ensure the property complies with specific safety and occupancy standards. There is no local tax, but hosts must register with the state for the 8.5% Meals and Rentals tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Nashua

New Hampshire

Strict

Nashua regulates short-term rentals through zoning ordinances that distinguish between accessory use (owner-occupied) and commercial use, requiring a license and fire safety compliance.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Hanover

New Hampshire

Prohibited

The Town of Hanover permits short-term rentals (STRs) as an accessory use to owner-occupied residential properties, requiring a special exception and biennial registration.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Lincoln

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(13)

Application Process(10)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(3)

Create a free account

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other New Hampshire Markets

Conway

Franconia

Nashua

Hanover

Lincoln

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Lincoln, NH?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Lincoln, NH?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Lincoln, NH?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Lincoln, NH?

5What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Lincoln, NH?

Related Content

Other New Hampshire Markets

Conway

Franconia

Nashua

Hanover