Is Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals Legal in Minnesota? (2026)
Yes — Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Minnesota as of 2026.
Law changed in 2023: In September 2023, Mendota Heights passed a year-long moratorium on new short-term rentals. The Minnesota Lodging Code (Chapter 4625) has been undergoing revisions, with new drafts posted for review in early 2024. A comprehensive Tenant's Bill of Rig...
Quick Answer
Short-term rentals are legal in Minnesota. In September 2023, Mendota Heights passed a year-long moratorium on new short-term rentals. Hosts should verify local ordinances and tax requirements before listing.
What the Law Says
Minnesota state law requires the collection of sales tax on short-term rentals. The Department of Public Safety also classifies STRs for fire code purposes. Most operational regulations, including licensing and zoning, are handled by individual cities.
— Minn. Stat. § 273.13
| 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 |
In September 2023, Mendota Heights passed a year-long moratorium on new short-term rentals. The Minnesota Lodging Code (Chapter 4625) has been undergoing revisions, with new drafts posted for review in early 2024. A comprehensive Tenant's Bill of Rights was also passed in 2024, which may impact some rental situations.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement is handled at the local level, with cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul requiring licenses and having specific penalty structures. Some suburbs, like Bloomington, prohibit them entirely, while others, like Excelsior, have set high daily fines for violations.
A common violation is operating without the required local license or registration number in advertisements. Another is failing to comply with local zoning, as some municipalities restrict or ban short-term rentals in certain residential areas.
Local Exceptions
State law sets the baseline. These cities or counties have additional rules that may differ:
Bottom Line
Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Minnesota. You can operating a short-term rental without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Minnesota 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. Minnesota 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:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is operating a short-term rental legal in Minnesota?
Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Minnesota?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
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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