Is Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals Legal in Idaho? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Idaho as of 2026.

Key Restriction
None statewide
Penalty
Regulatory violation
Last Updated
2026-03-25

Law changed in 2026: In March 2026, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 583, which was signed into law, severely limiting the ability of cities and counties to regulate short-term rentals. This law preempts most local ordinances that single out STRs.

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Quick Answer

Short-term rentals are legal in Idaho. In March 2026, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 583, which was signed into law, severely limiting the ability of cities and counties to regulate short-term rentals. Hosts should verify local ordinances and tax requirements before listing.

What the Law Says

Idaho state law requires operators to collect and remit sales tax and, in some areas, a travel and convention tax. A 2017 law prevents local governments from banning short-term rentals but allows them to regulate for public safety, noise, and other nuisance issues.

Idaho Code § 67-6539
Category Details
State-Level Rules Legal; check local ordinances
Local Permit Requirements Legal; may need business license
Violation Penalties Must collect and remit applicable lodging/occupancy taxes.
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

In March 2026, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 583, which was signed into law, severely limiting the ability of cities and counties to regulate short-term rentals. This law preempts most local ordinances that single out STRs.

Enforcement Reality

Enforcement has been significantly altered by state law. As of March 2026, local governments are largely preempted from creating specific regulations for short-term rentals, such as licensing or inspections, and can only enforce general nuisance and safety laws.

Charge Level
Regulatory violation
Enforcement Likelihood
Moderate, concentrated in tourist-heavy areas like Boise and Sun Valley
Common Triggers
Failure to obtain a local short-term rental permit or license, non-payment of state and local sales and lodging taxes.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is failing to collect and remit Idaho's sales tax and any applicable local lodging taxes. Following the new 2026 law, another mistake could be assuming no regulations apply, as properties are still subject to general health, safety, and nuisance ordinances.

Local Exceptions

State law sets the baseline. These cities or counties have additional rules that may differ:

Boise
Requires a short-term rental license and that the property be the host's primary residence for rentals in residential zones.
Sun Valley
Requires a short-term rental permit and has regulations on occupancy and parking.
Ketchum
Mandates a business license and a short-term rental permit, with different rules for different zoning districts.
McCall
Has a cap on the number of short-term rental licenses and requires a local contact person for each rental.
Teton County
Requires a conditional use permit for short-term rentals in most residential zones.

Idaho vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, operating a short-term rental is fully legal in 35 states, restricted in 15, and illegal in 0. Idaho falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is operating a short-term rental legal in Idaho?
Yes — Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Idaho as of 2026. Short-term rentals are legal in Idaho. In March 2026, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 583, which was signed into law, severely limiting the ability of cities and counties to regulate short-term rentals. Hosts should verify local ordinances and tax requirements before listing.
Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Idaho?
Legal; may need business license
Does the law on operating a short-term rental change at the Idaho border?
Yes. Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal with restrictions in neighboring Nevada. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Idaho state law requires operators to collect and remit sales tax and, in some areas, a travel and convention tax. A 2017 law prevents local governments from banning short-term rentals but allows them…
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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