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

One of the most important updates focuses on how short-term rental hosts advertise their properties. Starting October 1, no advertisement for a short-term rental can list more bedrooms or guests than those authorized by your Type A or Type B permit. This includes all wording, images, or descriptions that might suggest a higher capacity than what is legally permitted. For example, if your permit only allows two bedrooms and a maximum of four guests, your listing must reflect those exact numbers.
 

Notarized Signatures: Streamlining the Application Process

Good news for hosts: notarized signatures will no longer be required when applying for or renewing a Type A permit. Previously, hosts had to take the extra step of getting signatures notarized, adding to the administrative burden of maintaining compliance.

Going forward, the City will accept signatures from the property owner, resident (if different), and operator without notarization. These signatures can be submitted through the City’s Civic Portal or via paper forms.
 

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

Another simplification involves guest logs. Previously, hosts were required to maintain a physical log book of their guests, including details like names, phone numbers, and dates of stay. However, starting October 1, this requirement will be eliminated.

While you no longer need to keep a manual guest log, you are still required to provide transactional data from your listing platform (such as Airbnb or Vrbo) upon request by the City. This data must include guests’ names, phone numbers, home addresses, dates of stay, and the number of guests per stay. You may have to work with the listing platform to secure all the necessary information. Failure to provide this data within 30 days of a request could result in enforcement actions.
 

Zoning Restrictions for Type B Conditional Use: Limiting Commercial Operations

One of the most significant changes applies to new Type B conditional use permits in certain zoning areas. As of October 1, new Type B accessory short-term rentals will no longer be allowed in commercial, mixed-use, employment, or industrial zones. Type B permits typically cover properties that rent out three or more bedrooms, which has traditionally been allowed in these zones.

Now, properties in these zones will be classified as Retail Sales and Service use if they operate as short-term rentals. This shift in classification reflects the City's intention to limit commercial-scale operations in areas not primarily zoned for residential use. However, existing Type B conditional use permits will remain valid, provided they continue to comply with the terms under which they were approved.
 

Revoked Permits: Two-Year Exclusion Period for Reapplications

If a Type A permit is revoked, you will be prohibited from obtaining a new Type A permit for the same dwelling unit for two years. This change is meant to deter bad actors and ensure that properties are used responsibly.

Previously, the exclusion period applied to the site’s residents rather than the dwelling unit itself. This update shifts the focus to the property, meaning if a permit is revoked for non-compliance, it will be the dwelling unit that faces the exclusion period.
 

What Hosts Need to Do

If you are currently operating a short-term rental in Portland or plan to, here are some steps to ensure compliance with the updated regulations:

• 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.

For more information on these changes, visit the City’s website. If you would like to contact the Bureau of Development Services, email them at PPDAccessoryShortTermRental@portlandoregon.gov or call (503) 823-2633.

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!

Together, we can continue to advocate for fair and reasonable regulations that support both short-term rental hosts and the broader community. You can be a part of that!

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. 

Travel Portland has been working hard for Portland's travel and tourism industry and we wanted to take a quick moment to celebrate their success. Here are a few ways they've made an impact this year. Accomplishments 2023-2024 Booked in future convention sales at near-record amounts Social media penetration (Tiktok, Insta, Facebook) and influencer promotion  Public relations focus and downtown visitor center 5,000 visits with 28% being international visitors Promotions to fill gaps in hotel bookings by promoting single night meetings for a cost savings Social Media Training Check out the recording and presentation from our latest partner training on social media. Carmen Paradise, Travel Portland’s Senior Social Media Manager, shares her best practices for establishing and maintaining a successful social media strategy.  Watch the recording.

We are beyond excited to tell you about our October 20th meetup event! Our Hosted Home Tour will allow you to check out some of Portland’s best short-term rentals. You’ll get an insider’s peek at some of the best the city has to offer. Ooh and ahh over the decor and even better, ask the host exactly where they bought that really cool accent piece.  If you have an eye-catching rental that you’d like to showcase, have featured in our marketing materials and advertised to the broader community, submit your details here and join the Hosted Home Tour!

Advocacy is one of the pillars of Host2Host. We strongly support responsible hosting and want to hear from Portland’s city council and mayoral candidates about their positions on ongoing short-term rental operations in the city.  On September 12th, we’ll be inviting all mayoral candidates and any city council candidates who have received matching election funds to attend our special Advocacy-focused event. Hosted by Past Board President and one of the founding members of Host2Host, Dabney Tompkins, this evening is sure to be special.  We hope you’ll save the date and register now to keep up-to-date on how it takes shape. If you’d like to help us out with the event, send us a quick email to get involved.

A Brief History In an act of forward-thinking, Portland government officials established the protected natural area known as Hoyt Arboretum in 1928. This park is a living museum dedicated to conserving endangered species and educating the public. Spanning 190 acres of forested land, it hosts 12 miles of trails and an extensive collection of over 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from as far away as six different continents. Visitor Activities Hoyt Arboretum offers a plethora of activities for local residents and visiting guests including: Hiking: Enjoy 12 miles of trails through varied landscapes with walks offered at every difficulty level from paved, level and short paths to more challenging, longer trails - all of which are clearly marked and easy-to-follow. Picnicking: Designated picnic areas provide serene spots for relaxation. Some of them require a reservation in advance but many allow you to drop in and enjoy time amongst the beautiful surroundings at your leisure. Educational Programs: Deepen your knowledge of nature by participating in guided tours, workshops, and casual self-guided tours. Pick up a map at the Visitor’s Center or download a map to carry on your phone. Family-Friendly: Engage in family-oriented programs and seasonal activities throughout the year. Program are designed for kids of all ages adventuring alone with their families or in larger school or organizational groups. Download the children’s adventure map here. Get Involved Maintaining the park for years to come requires all of us to contribute in whatever way we can. Financial donations are gratefully accepted. Volunteer opportunities are abundant with a variety of options that fit your lifestyle and your skillset. Hoyt Arboretum volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the arboretum through trail maintenance, public education, and community science initiatives. For more information, visit the Hoyt Arboretum website.

Hosts in Hoyt Arboretum - Register Now!

This July 18th, we’re excited to offer an opportunity for you to do more than scratch the surface of the Arboretum with a fun, guided tour conducted by Host2Host’s Education Committee contributor and former Board Member, David Boe. We’ll meet at Steven’s Pavilion just below the Visitor's Parking area at 4pm for a leisurely walk and learn for all fitness levels. Kids and dogs on a leash are welcome to join in the fun! Register now to secure your spot!

U.S. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) surpassed $100 billion in revenue for the first time. This financial achievement is not just a number—it signals a maturing market. As the industry evolves, understanding the implications of this maturity becomes crucial for stakeholders.

What are the Characteristics of Maturing Industries?

An industry is said to mature when its growth rate starts to align with the overall economy's growth, following a period of rapid expansion. Characteristics of such a phase include increased market consolidation, heightened competition leading to price stabilization, and significant shifts towards improving operational efficiency and customer service. Innovation remains a key factor but shifts from market disruption to incremental improvements and diversification of existing products and services.

Recent Acquisitions of Software and Service Providers in the Short-term Rental Market

The short-term rental industry has entered a maturing phase. This supposition is supported by recent strategic acquisitions:

Touchstay Digital Guidebooks Acquired by itrinity

This acquisition by the Czech SAAS company highlights a trend towards consolidating guest experience enhancements under larger, established tech umbrellas. Touchstay, known for enhancing guest experiences through digital guidebooks, represents a move by larger firms to integrate comprehensive solutions that streamline operations and enhance guest interactions.

Guesty Acquires Rentals United

Guesty, a significant player in short-term rental software, recently expanded its capabilities by acquiring Rentals United, a platform that specializes in marketing and distribution automation. This merger indicates the industry's push towards creating more robust, all-encompassing tools that cater to the complex needs of rental hosts and management companies.

Urban Rest Acquires The Urban Butler

In a move emphasizing the importance of localized services, Urban Rest's acquisition of The Urban Butler in New Zealand reflects the industry’s trend towards enhancing regional service offerings and refining the guest experience.

These acquisitions signify a shift from aggressive expansion to strategic enhancement, focusing on quality service delivery and operational efficiency—a hallmark of industry maturation.

Fully Matured and Declining Industries

As industries reach full maturity, they often experience a plateau in growth, which can lead to decline if innovation stalls. In fully matured stages, consolidation continues as companies seek to maintain profitability by merging with or acquiring competitors to reduce costs and expand market share. Customer loyalty, as does the ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, becomes paramount.

What Can Hosts Do?

Hosts can help stem this tide and stand apart from the others by continually innovating in guest services, sustainable practices, and integrating technology that responds to evolving consumer expectations.
For instance, hosts can focus on offering unique, personalized experiences that differentiate them from the growing competition. Additionally, adopting green practices can appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, tapping into new customer segments.

By recognizing the signs of industry maturity—such as market consolidation—hosts can strategically position themselves to thrive in a maturing market. To stay competitive, leverage technology, prioritize sustainable practices, and focus on delivering exceptional, localized guest experiences.

Stay informed with the help of your friends at Host2Host.