What are the key requirements for Durham hosts?

Owner MUST stay on the premises overnight while guests are present.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Durham?

Unhosted/Whole-home rentals where the owner is absent are effectively prohibited in residential zones.

What should Durham hosts know about maximum of 3 sleeping rooms?

Maximum of 3 sleeping rooms can be rented out.

What should Durham hosts know about rvs, campers, and tents are?

RVs, campers, and tents are strictly prohibited for guest use.

What are the permit fees in Durham?

Signage is restricted to one non-illuminated sign of 2 square feet or less.

Durham

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

New HampshireLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

50%

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Verified: Feb 8, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Durham are restricted to owner-occupied primary residences where the host must remain on-site overnight during all guest stays.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Host presence required (hosted-only)
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

You can only operate a short-term rental in Durham if the property is your primary home and you are physically present overnight while guests are there. You must obtain a permit from the town and pass a safety inspection; if your home is in a residential zone, you will likely need a 'Special Exception' from the Zoning Board of Adjustment first.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$25

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•Durham: Unhosted/Whole-home rentals where the owner is absent are effectively prohibited in residential zones.
•Durham: The permit holder must personally manage the listing - third-party property managers may not be allowed.
•Durham allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Residence.
•Durham limits hosts to a maximum of 1 STR properties per owner.

Requirements(11)

•Durham STR warning: Unhosted/Whole-home rentals where the owner is absent are effectively prohibited in residential zones.
•Durham STR warning: Signage is restricted to one non-illuminated sign of 2 square feet or less.
•Durham does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.
•Durham STR warning: RVs, campers, and tents are strictly prohibited for guest use.

Application Process(8)

•Durham STR permit - Step 4: Submit Short-Term Rental Permit Application. Submit the final application to the Zoning Administrator with proof of primary residence and safety compliance. Required documents: ZBA Approval letter, Inspection report, NH Rooms tax ID. Time: 1 week.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Durham: Signage is restricted to one non-illuminated sign of 2 square feet or less.
•Durham charges a registration fee of $25 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $325 (Zoning Board Special Exception fee (~$100) plus legal notice (~$225) and abutter notifications (~$9/each) may be required for residential zones.).

Taxes(1)

•New Hampshire has a state sales tax of 0.085% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Durham: Maximum of 3 sleeping rooms can be rented out.
•Durham enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
•Durham: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Durham: Owner MUST stay on the premises overnight while guests are present.
•Durham limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Durham requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Periodic safety inspections, Building and Life Safety Code compliance, Evacuation plan posted.

Penalties(3)

•Durham: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Durham: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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 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

Durham

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other New Hampshire Markets

Conway

Franconia

Nashua

Hanover

Durham

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

5 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Is a permit required for STRs in Durham, NH?

Related Content

Other New Hampshire Markets

Conway

Franconia

Nashua

Hanover