The City of Portland has been trying to have more oversight of short-term rentals for a number of years as City Hall balances competing goals:

• Housing advocates concern Airbnb rentals reduce the number of rentals
• Hotel industry concern about Airbnb rentals reducing occupancy rates
• Airbnb offices located in Portland provide jobs helping local economy
• Airbnb and other short-term rentals pay taxes and earn citizens income

Here are a few examples of the timeline.

• July 1, 2014 Airbnb began collecting the 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax on behalf of their hosts. Airbnb is reporting and remitting funds to the City of Portland Revenue Division on a monthly basis, regardless of permit status.
• February, 2017 The City announced $1,000 day fines as of 3/31/17 for Airbnb rentals not fully permitted. Number of Airbnbs drops slightly.
• August, 2018 The City found over 4,600 rentals with the vast majority (88%) not having needed city permits. The city collected taxes on 100% of the Airbnbs.
• October, 2019 The City of Portland and Airbnb announced Airbnb rentals without the needed new licenses would be shut down on 12/31/2020.
• January 5, 2020 I did a spot check of 14 Airbnb rentals in Portland:
  • 43% had the needed licenses
  • All rentals were taking reservations into the first quarter of 2020

Stay tuned as Airbnb and hotel industry continue to collide at City Hall.

Number of Airbnb Listings in Portland, OR by City of Portland, August, 2018