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Billings, MT STR Regulations (2026) | License Required, 10% Tax | HostReady

Billings, MT

Short-Term Rental Regulations

High EnforcementModerate Risk Market

71

Risk Score

Operating a short-term rental (stays of less than 30 days) in Billings requires both a City business license ($55 for first-time) and a STR permit ($300), both renewed annually. The permit application requires a designated local contact person (not a corporation) to respond to complaints. The ordinance was adopted in 2021, and over 300 properties have been identified as operating without proper permits.

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At a Glance

Last verified 1 day agoVerified from 4 sources

STR License

Yes

Enforcement

High

Tax Rate

10%

Potential Fines

Up to $500

Permit Status

Accepting

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Billings, MT Regulations Guide

Operating a short-term rental (stays of less than 30 days) in Billings requires both a City business license ($55 for first-time) and a STR permit ($300), both renewed annually. The permit application requires a designated local contact person (not a corporation) to respond to complaints. The ordinance was adopted in 2021, and over 300 properties have been identified as operating without proper permits.

Licensing and Permits

Billings requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. An inspection is required as part of the permitting process.

Enforcement

Billings has high enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.

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Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.

Compiled from 4 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

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Full Requirements

Local Contact

Yes

Inspection Required

Yes

Restrictions & Limits

Permit Renewal

annual

Potential Fines

$300 to $500

Potential fines

License Fee

$355

Tax Obligations

Combined Rate

10%

State Tax

4%

Local Tax

6%

Filing Frequency

monthly

Airbnb auto-collects lodging tax

VRBO does NOT collect lodging tax

Manual tax submission required (monthly)

Add a property to access the tax filing portal

Tax Calculator

Enter your revenue and see exactly what you owe in Billings, broken down by state, local, and what your platform collects.

Key Details

A short-term rental is defined as a residential rental offering stays of less than 30 days.
Both a City business license ($55 for first-time) and a STR permit ($300) are required and must be renewed annually.
The STR permit application requires a local contact person (not a corporation) who can respond to complaints.
The STR ordinance was adopted in 2021 to minimize negative impacts on neighborhoods and maintain zoning requirements.
Violations may be cited as municipal infractions under BMCC 18-1304, with a first offense penalty of $300 and up to $500 for each additional day.
Each day a violation occurs is considered a separate offense.
The City uses software to scan STR websites and cross-check against City data to identify unregistered properties.
Applicants must acknowledge about a dozen terms, including no large parties/gatherings, compliance with City noise regulations, and meeting safety requirements.
Property owners receiving courtesy letters have 60 days to come into compliance before referral to Code Enforcement.

Building & Fire Code

Building Inspection

Yes

Fire Suppression

Yes

Egress Windows

Yes

Fire Extinguisher

Yes

Smoke Detectors

Short-term rental units must contain smoke detectors.

Additional Requirements

Compliance with local building and fire codes is mandatory for STRs.

Department portal links available with a property

Enforcement & Permit Status

Permits

accepting

Enforcement Trend

increasing

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Operational Rules

Noise

true

Parking

Preferred Parking is on private driveway first with overflow parking on the street

Posting Requirements

All short-term rental advertising must include the Billings’ Short-Term Rental Permit number.

Verification

Verified from 4 government sources

Regulations are continuously monitored for changes. Always confirm with your local jurisdiction before acting.

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