Short Term Rental Host

Overview

A Short Term Rental Host license is required for any person who is the owner or tenant of a dwelling unit, or portion thereof who provides a dwelling unit for short-term rental use. Short term means a period of less than thirty (30) days. It is unlawful for any person to engage in a short-term rental advertisement or operate as a short-term rental host within the City without a valid Short-Term Rental Host license. If you have questions, contact DSI at 651-266-8989, or email the DSI Message Center.

Code Requirements

See Section 379 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for more information about Short Term Rental Host Requirements.

• Short Term Rental Licensing Ordinance
• Short Term Rental Zoning Ordinance

Application Requirements

To obtain a Short Term Rental Host License, you must submit the following: 

• Short Term Rental License Requirements 
• Complete license application 
• If non-owner occupied - Current Fire Certificate of Occupancy (or a completed Provisional Fire Certificate of Occupancy Application and fee.)
• Pay License Fee ($40)
• Proof of Insurance: Either an ACORD Certificate of Insurance evidencing coverage of the short-term rental use in the aggregate of not less than $300,000 listing the licensing name and short-term rental address as the insured, and the "City of Saint Paul" as the certificate holder (Example of ACORD Certificate) OR a written declaration on the license application stating "only conducting short-term-rentals through Airbnb, VRBO and/or HomeAway." Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway are licensed short-term rental platforms in the City of Saint Paul. If using any other short-term rental platform, an ACORD certificate will need to be submitted to our office.

To renew a Short Term Rental Host License, you must submit the following: 

• Annual Fee ($40)
• Signed Affidavit of Compliance
• Workers' Compensation Form

An invoice will be sent to the license holder with the above documents prior to the expiration of the license.

Inspections

In order to issue for or renew a Short Term Rental Host license, the Director and the Police Chief must investigate the application. 

Fees

In order to obtain a Short Term Rental Host License, you are required to pay the license fee of $40 for each unit you are renting. 

Expiration & Renewal 

A Short Term Rental Host License will expire one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. The annual License renewal fee is $40.