We’re thrilled to share highlights from our recent Hosted Home Tour, where attendees embarked on a delightful self-guided adventure across 11 unique short-term rental properties in the heart of Portland.

The day kicked off at Tiny Digs, where participants gathered to collect their exclusive swag bags filled with goodies, including insulated lunch bags, branded coasters, stickers, and even a vase to showcase the beautiful blooms they would collect from each property visited.

Each attendee received a special passport to collect stamps at each location. Those who completed their passports were entered to win exciting gift certificates. We’re proud to announce that 11 participants successfully stamped their passports, and we awarded five lucky winners with gift certificates from Portland Bottle Shop, Heroes American Cafe, and Escape from NY Pizza!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event a success. To the hosts who prepared for the event and shared your experience hosting with those attending the tour, we are so very thankful for you. To those of you who donated untold hours and energy on the planning team to create something completely different and fun for our community... you are amazing! To everyone who took a chance and the time out of your Sunday afternoon to attend our self-guided tour, we appreciate you. Your enthusiasm and participation really brought the tour to life. We hope you enjoyed exploring Portland's vibrant rental scene.

We are so thankful for our wonderful and generous event sponsors who made something new and different possible, including Travel Portland, (w)here Real Estate, Hive Hospitality, Descansa Property Management, and SPIN Laundry Lounge. Guests were also treated to delicious ice cream sandwiches from Ruby Jewel and vegan chocolates from Missionary Chocolates. Check them all out when you have a chance!

As a host in the ever-evolving world of short-term rentals, understanding the intricate landscape of US tax law is essential. Whether you're renting out a room in your home or managing multiple properties, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is crucial to ensure a smooth and profitable operation.

Federal Tax Considerations

At the federal level, the IRS treats income from short- term rentals as taxable. Hosts must report all income received, regardless of whether the rental period is for one night or several months. However, you may be eligible for deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and expenses related to the upkeep of your rental space. It’s important to maintain accurate records to support your claims.

State Regulations

In Oregon, short-term rental hosts must comply with specific state laws and tax requirements. One key aspect is the requirement to collect and remit the state’s transient lodging tax, which is currently set at 1.5% on rental income. Hosts must also register their short-term rental with the Oregon Department of Revenue, ensuring that all income is reported appropriately. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines, so it's crucial to stay informed about both state and local laws.

Local Ordinances

In the city of Portland, hosts must adhere to several, additional lodging tax requirements. Specifically, the local transient lodging tax applies on short-term rental income. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax to the city. If you are listed exclusively on Airbnb, these taxes are remitted directly on your behalf.

Get Informed!

To help hosts navigate these complexities, Host2Host is excited to announce an upcoming online webinar where experts will provide insights into tax laws specific to short-term rentals. Join us to learn about your responsibilities and how to maximize your hosting experience.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and make the most of your hosting journey!

Are you curious about how to take your short-term rental to the next level? Thinking of becoming a host but want to see firsthand how it's done? Or maybe you're a neighbor wanting to learn more about hosting and the available properties in your community? Then, mark your calendar for October 20th from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and join us for an exclusive Hosted Home Tour across some of Portland’s most charming short-term rentals!

We’re excited to invite both current and potential hosts, neighbors, and the curious public to explore 11 unique short-term rental listings across 9 stunning locations in NE and SE Portland. This is a rare opportunity to step inside real listings, meet fellow hosts, and pick up valuable tips that will help you improve your own property or start your journey as a host.

Special members-only early-bird pricing, just $15!

What You Can Expect:

• Inspiration & Ideas: See how other hosts are designing, managing, and marketing their properties, and discover innovative solutions to common hosting challenges.
• Practical Insights: Whether you’re thinking about becoming a host or already are one, you’ll leave with real-world knowledge on how to maximize your rental’s potential.
• Community Engagement: As a neighbor, this is your chance to peek behind the curtains and see what hosting is all about. Learn how these homes are enriching our neighborhoods and strengthening community ties.
• Meet Our Organization: This event is also a perfect opportunity to learn more about our mission, our role in helping hosts stay compliant with city codes, and how you can be a part of a responsible hosting community.
• Exclusive Sponsor Perks: Get to know the amazing sponsors who are supporting this event and pick up useful tools and resources that can help you improve your hosting experience.
• Useful SWAG: Who doesn't love SWAG? We'll have some of the best! Be surprised and delighted!

• Self-Guided Tour: Visit as many or as few of the listings as you’d like. At each stop, the host will be available to share their experience, answer questions, and offer insights into their home’s setup.
• Flexible Timing: Come anytime between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM on October 20th. No pressure, just inspiration!
• Location Map & Tour Information: A detailed map of the participating homes will be provided at registration.

RSVP Today!

Written by Board Member Laura Angyus with the help of Board President Becky Burnett and Past-President Dabney Tompkins

On Thursday, September 12th, Portland residents gathered in St. Johns to attend the Host2Host City Council Candidate Forum. As Portland prepares to expand its city council this fall, attendees had a valuable opportunity to hear directly from 10 different candidates representing various districts. These are the leaders who will shape the future of our community and influence short-term rental policies.

After a brief introduction of the organization, Host2Host President Becky Burnett turned the microphone over to Diana Nunez, COO of HaciendaCDC, a Portland Latino-led community development corporation with a focus on affordable housing and economic advancement. Host2Host was proud to contribute a donation to support the important work their organization is doing in our community.

After hearing from Hacienda, Becky introduced Past-President Dabney Tompkins who moderated the rest of the evening. Candidates in attendance that evening included those from Districts 2, 3, and 4 including:

District 2

• Dan Ryan
• Debbie Kitchin
• Mike Marshall
• Tiffini Penson
• William Mespelt

• Dan Gilk
• Matthew Anderson
• Theo Hathaway Saner

• Chad Lykins
• Sarah Silkie

Each candidate was given three minutes to speak, and the audience was captivated as they shared their agendas. A lively discussion followed during the Q&A session, where key issues such as permitting challenges, taxes, ADU restrictions, and the city’s broader housing concerns were addressed. We even heard from several hosts who relied upon the supplemental income they receive from hosting a room in their home to be able to continue to afford living there which made a powerful impact.

Many candidates expressed their gratitude for the chance to engage directly with the hosting community, allowing them to better understand the concerns and needs of this group and to hear directly from one another in a friendly, welcoming and non-confrontational environment. The event left many feeling hopeful about Portland’s new organizational structure post-election. Seeing a team of passionate leaders united in addressing various issues was truly inspiring.

A big thank you to La Paloma for the space to meet, Descansa Property Management for ensuring a smooth process, La Tienda Santa Cruz for the delicious food, Ruby Jewel for the ice cream, and to our sponsors for their financial support throughout the year, all of which contributed to a successful event.

Starting on October 1, 2024, Portland's accessory short-term rental (ASTR) regulations will undergo significant updates. These modifications, passed by the Portland City Council, aim to streamline processes for hosts, clarify existing rules, and improve the City’s ability to enforce compliance. 

Below is a breakdown of the major changes to Portland’s Zoning Code that directly affect accessory short-term rental operations, as well as how these updates may impact you.
 

Advertising Restrictions: Know Your Limits

Notarized Signatures: Streamlining the Application Process

Guest Logs: No Longer Necessary, But Data Collection Still Required

Zoning Restrictions for Type B Conditional Use: Limiting Commercial Operations

Revoked Permits: Two-Year Exclusion Period for Reapplications

What Hosts Need to Do

• Review your advertisements on all platforms to ensure they reflect the correct number of bedrooms and guests on your permit.
• Know how to download transactional guest data if requested by the City.
• Stay informed if your property is in a commercial, mixed-use, employment, or industrial zone, especially if you are operating under a Type B permit.

As a short-term rental (STR) host in Portland, you play a vital role in the city's tourism economy, providing unique accommodations and experiences for visitors from around the world. However, with this opportunity comes the challenge of navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. Understanding the current regulations and potential changes on the horizon is crucial to ensuring your business thrives and remains compliant.

Host2Host was established in 2017 by hosts to serve other hosts with a focus on the core principles of Community, Education, and Advocacy. This third pillar of our mission is a key reason why Host2Host pays attention to current and potential regulations and cultivates relationships with policymakers and government officials.


Overview of the Current Regulatory Landscape
In 2014, Portland established a set of regulations designed to manage the impact of short-term rentals on neighborhoods while ensuring hosts operate fairly and safely. As a host, you're likely familiar with the need for a Type A or Type B Accessory Short-Term Rental permit.

The city has continued to increase its focus on enforcement, with more stringent checks on licensing compliance and higher fines for violations. Hosts found operating without the proper permits or failing to adhere to zoning restrictions face significant penalties. These changes emphasize the need for hosts to stay informed and compliant, as the city's regulatory environment continues to develop.

City Council and State Legislative Actions

The upcoming Fall 2024 election is particularly significant for Portland's STR community. The new slate of city council members will have the power to shape the future of short-term rentals in the city. With growing pressure from various groups advocating for stricter regulations or even the wholesale elimination of STRs, the outcome of this election could dramatically impact your ability to operate. Staying informed and engaged in this process is more important than ever.

How Host2Host Can Help

We are dedicated to representing the interests of short-term rental hosts in Portland. We are actively involved in engaging with public officials, participating in public hearings, and working with policymakers to ensure that any new regulations are fair and reasonable.

We provide our members with a range of resources, including compliance tools and networking opportunities. Whether you're navigating the permitting process, understanding zoning laws, or preparing for potential regulatory changes, we're here to support you every step of the way.

By joining Host2Host, you gain access to these valuable resources and become part of a larger community of hosts who are committed to protecting their businesses. Together, we can advocate for sensible regulations that allow short-term rentals to thrive in Portland.

Now is the time to act. If you haven’t already, join Host2Host today, attend our September 12th advocacy event, and be part of the collective effort to ensure that short-term rentals remain a viable and thriving part of Portland's economy.

Together, we can make a difference. Your voice matters — let it be heard.

Our latest Host2Host webinar, sponsored by Proper Insurance, provided invaluable insights into the often complex world of risk management. The session was skillfully led by Nick Massey, who shared practical strategies for simplifying risk management for hosts in the short-term rental industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Risk Management: Nick emphasized the importance of a thorough understanding of risk management for all hosts. He highlighted that managing risks effectively is not just about mitigating potential problems but also about ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of a hosting business.

• Tailored Insurance Solutions: Proper Insurance offers specialized insurance solutions designed specifically for the vacation rental industry. Nick explained how these tailored policies can protect hosts from unique risks that standard homeowner’s insurance might not cover, such as damage caused by guests, liability claims, and income loss due to unexpected cancellations.

• Simplifying the Process: One of the primary focuses of the webinar was on how hosts can simplify the often daunting task of managing risks. Nick shared tips on how to streamline insurance coverage, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that hosts are adequately protected without unnecessary complications.

• Proactive Risk Management: Nick encouraged hosts to take a proactive approach to risk management by regularly reviewing their insurance coverage and staying informed about potential risks. He suggested working closely with insurance providers like Proper Insurance to tailor coverage to the specific needs of their property and business model.

We extend our sincere thanks to Nick and the rest of the team at Proper Insurance for their support and for delivering such an informative session. For those who missed the webinar or would like to revisit the key points, a recording is available on our Youtube channel.

Stay tuned for more upcoming events as we continue to bring you valuable resources and insights to support your success in the vacation rental industry.

As a short-term rental host in Portland, you are likely familiar with the city’s stringent regulations. In general, hosts must live on-site or have a long-term tenant, and can rent out no more than two bedrooms. These rules are in place to ensure that short-term rentals coexist harmoniously with our community’s housing needs.

However, recent developments in Barcelona should serve as a wake-up call for us all. In June 2024, Barcelona’s city council ordered a complete phase-out of short-term rentals. No new licenses will be issued, and all existing licenses will be revoked by 2028. This decision aims to address housing shortages by freeing up properties for long-term residents.

While the intention behind this decision is understandable, the impact on small operators—who make up 58% of hosts in Barcelona, typically renting out 1-3 properties part-time—cannot be ignored. Many hosts rely on the income generated from short-term rentals to support their households. The phase-out of rentals will have a profound effect on their financial stability.

The situation in Barcelona highlights the critical importance of advocacy and community support. Without proactive intervention, Portland could face similar challenges, potentially leading to an all-out ban on short-term rentals. As hosts, it is crucial for us to stay engaged and advocate for balanced regulations that protect our rights while addressing community concerns.

Host2Host plays a vital role in this effort. By volunteering with Host2Host, you can help strengthen relationships we have with the City of Portland, the Bureau of Development Services, and the City Council. Your involvement is key to ensuring that our voices are heard and that our needs are considered in future regulatory decisions.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the short-term rental market. 
• Engage with Local Officials: Participate in opportunities to share your thoughts and experiences as a host directly with city officials.
• Join Host2Host: If you’re not already, become a member of Host2Host to stay connected with fellow hosts and access valuable resources.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support our initiatives and strengthen our community’s presence for as little as one hour per month. Opportunities include involvement on the Advocacy, Community, or Education committees or boost your resume with a Board of Directors position. Apply today!

In July, Host2Host members were offered the opportunity to explore Hoyt Arboretum with a local, expert guide. Host2Host Charter member and former Board Member, David Boe, wrote the book on the natural beauty and historic significance of Hoyt Arboretum in Walk With Me: Discover Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon.

During a 90-minute walk designed as a “best of” overview of some of the many amazing sites and stories of the park, hosts were delighted to discover what makes the Hoyt Arboretum one of the Crown Jewels of Portland’s park system. 

Attendees enjoyed interesting anecdotes that David has collected over 25 years of living in the neighborhood and marveled at the changing tree canopy. Some were surprised by how quickly the group moved from a typically European forest to western Oregon forest and finally a predominantly California forest in a short amount of time. Under David's expert guidance, the differences between them became obvious and dramatic.

The group even had the good fortune to happen upon a bride and groom enjoying a photoshoot along the Redwood Trail. With picture perfect light from the golden-hour forest glow of a midsummer afternoon, it was as if they (and we) had stepped into a fairy tale.

With best wishes to the happy couple, it was the perfect end to a magical visit to one of Portland’s best places.